Substituted imidazole compounds

ABSTRACT

Novel 1,4,5 substituted imidazole compounds and compositions for use in therapy as CSBP/p38 kinase inhibitors.

This application is a 371 of PCT/U.S. 98/13808, filed Jul. 1, 1998 and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application 60/051,584 filed Jul. 2, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a novel group of imidazole compounds, processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof in treating CSBP/p38 mediated diseases and pharmaceutical compositions for use in such therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intracellular signal transduction is the means by which cells respond to extracellular stimuli. Regardless of the nature of the cell surface receptor (e. g. protein tyrosine kinase or seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled), protein kinases and phosphatases along with phopholipases are the essential machinery by which the signal is further transmitted within the cell [Marshall, J. C. Cell, 80, 179-278(1995)]. Protein kinases can be categorized into five classes with the two major classes being, tyrosine kinases and serine/threonine kinases depending upon whether the enzyme phosphorylates its substrate(s) on specific tyrosine(s) or serine/threonine(s) residues [Hunter, T., Methods in Enzymology (Protein Kinase Classification) p.3, Hunter, T.; Sefton, B. M., eds. vol. 200, Academic Press; San Diego, 1991].

For most biological responses, multiple intracellular kinases are involved and an individual kinase can be involved in more than one signaling event. These kinases are often cytosolic and can translocate to the nucleus or the ribosomes where they can affect transcriptional and translational events, respectively. The involvement of kinases in transcriptional control is presently much better understood than their effect on translation as illustrated by the studies on growth factor induced signal transduction involving MAP/ERK kinase [Marshall, C. J. Cell, 80, 179 (1995); Herskowitz, I. Cell, 80, 187 (1995); Hunter, T. Cell, 80, 225 (1995); Seger, R., and Krebs, E. G. FASEB J., 726-735 (1995)].

While many signaling pathways are part of cell homeostasis, numerous cytokines (e.g., IL-1 and TNF) and certain other mediators of inflammation (e.g., COX-2, and iNOS) are produced only as a response to stress signals such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The first indications suggesting that the signal transduction pathway leading to LPS-induced cytokine biosynthesis involved protein kinases came from studies of Weinstein [Weinstein, et al., J. Immunol. 151, 3829(1993)] but the specific protein kinases involved were not identified. Working from a similar perspective, Han [Han; et al., Science 265, 808(1994)] identified murine p38 as a kinase which is tyrosine phosphorylated in response to LPS. Definitive proof of the involvement of the p38 kinase in LPS-stimulated signal transduction pathway leading to the initiation of proinflammatory cytokine biosynthesis was provided by the independent discovery of p38 kinase by Lee [Lee, et al., Nature, 372, 739(1994)] as the molecular target for a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents. The discovery of p38 (termed by Lee as CSBP 1 and 2) provided a mechanism of action of a class of anti-inflammatory compounds for which SK&F 86002 was the prototypic example. These compounds inhibited IL-1 and TNF synthesis in human monocytes at concentrations in the low μM range [Lee, et al., Int. J: Immunopharmac. 10(7), 835(1988)] and exhibited activity in animal models which are refractory to cyclooxygenase inhibitors [Lee, et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci., 696, 149(1993)].

It is now firmly established that CSBP/p38 is a one of several kinases involved in a stress-response signal transduction pathway which is parallel to and largely independent of the analogous mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP) kinase cascade (FIG. 1). Stress signals, including LPS, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidants, UV light and osmotic stress, activate kinases upstream from CSBP/p38 which in turn phosphorylate CSBP/p38 at threonine 180 and tyrosine 182 resulting in CSBP/p38 activation. MAPKAP kinase-2 and MAPKAP kinase-3 have been identified as downstream substrates of CSBP/p38 which in turn phosphorylate heat shock protein Hsp 27 (FIG. 2). It is not yet known whether MAPKAP-2, MAPKAP-3, Mnk1 or Mnk2 are involved in cytokine biosynthesis or alternatively that inhibitors of CSBP/p38 kinase might regulate cytokine biosynthesis by blocking a yet unidentified substrate downstream from CSBP/p38 [Cohen, P. Trends Cell Biol., 353-361(1997)].

What is known, however, is that in addition to inhibiting IL-1 and TNF, CSBP/p38 kinase inhibitors (SK&F 86002 and SB 203580) also decrease the synthesis of a wide variety of pro-inflammatory proteins including. IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF and COX-2, Inhibitors of CSBP/p38 kinase have also been shown to suppress the TNF-induced expression of VCAM-1 on endothelial cells, the TNF-induced phosphorylation and activation of cytosolic PLA2 and the IL-1-stimulated synthesis of collagenase and stromelysin. These and additional data demonstrate that CSBP/p38 is involved not only cytokine synthesis, but also in cytokine signaling [CSBP/P38 kinase reviewed in Cohen, P. Trends Cell Biol;, 353-361(1997)].

Interleukin-1(IL-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) are biological substances produced by a variety of cells, such as monocytes or macrophages. IL-1 has been demonstrated to mediate a variety of biological activities thought to be important in immunoregulation and other physiological conditions such as inflammation [See, e.g., Dinarello et al., Rev. Infect. Disease, 6, 51 (1984)]. The myriad of known biological activities of IL-1 include the activation of T helper cells, induction of fever, stimulation of prostaglandin or collagenase production, neutrophil chemotaxis, induction of acute phase proteins and the suppression of plasma iron levels.

There are many disease states in which excessive or unregulated IL-1 production is implicated in exacerbating and/or causing the disease. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, endotoxemia and/or toxic shock syndrome, other acute or chronic inflammatory disease states such as the inflammatory reaction induced by endotoxin or inflammatory bowel disease; tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, muscle degeneration, cachexia, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, traumatic arthritis, rubella arthritis, and acute synovitis. Recent evidence also links IL-1 activity to diabetes and pancreatic βcells [review of the biological activities which have been attributed to IL-1 Dinarello, J. Clinical Immunology, 5 (5), 287-297 (1985)].

Excessive or unregulated TNF production has been implicated in mediating or exacerbating a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthritic conditions; sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral malaria, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoisosis, bone resorption diseases, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, fever and myalgias due to infection, such as influenza, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia, secondary to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS, AR_(c) (AIDS related complex), keloid formation, scar tissue formation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or pyresis.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemotactic factor produced by several cell types including mononuclear cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. Its production from endothelial cells is induced by IL-1, TNF, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-8 stimulates a number of functions in vitro. It has been shown to have chemoattractant properties for neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, and basophils. In addition. it induces histamine release from basophils from both normal and atopic individuals as well as lysozomal enzyme release and respiratory burst from neutrophils. IL-8 has also been shown to increase the surface expression of Mac-I (CD11b/CD18) on neutrophils without de novo protein synthesis, this may contribute to increased adhesion of the neutrophils to vascular endothelial cells. Many diseases are characterized by massive neutrophil infiltration. Conditions associated with an increased in IL-8 production (which is responsible for chemotaxis of neutrophil into the inflammatory site) would benefit by compounds which are suppressive of IL-8 production.

IL-1 and TNF affect a wide variety of cells and tissues and these cytokines as well as other leukocyte derived cytokines are important and critical inflammatory mediators of a wide variety of disease states and conditions. The inhibition of these cytokines is of benefit in controlling, reducing and alleviating many of these disease states.

Inhibition of signal transduction via CSBP/p38, which in addition to IL-1, TNF and IL-8 described above is also required for the synthesis and/or action of several additional pro-inflammatory proteins (i.e., IL-6, GM-CSF, COX-2, collagenase and stromelysin), is expected to be a highly effective mechanism for regulating the excessive and destructive activation of the immune system. This expectation is supported by the potent- and diverse anti-inflammatory activities described for CSBP/p38 kinase inhibitors [Badger, et al., J. Pharm. Exp. Thera. 279 (3): 1453-1461.(1996); Griswold, et al., Pharmacol. Comm. 7, 323-229 (1996)].

There remains a need for treatment in this field, for compounds which are cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. compounds which are capable of inhibiting the CSBP/p38/RK kinase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the Mitogen and Stress Activated Protein Kinase Cascades.

FIG. 2 shows the p38 Kinase Pathway.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I), and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

This invention also relates to a method of treating a CSBP/RK/p38 kinase mediated disease in a mammal in need thereof, which method comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting cytokines and the treatment of a cytokine mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-1 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-6 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-8 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of TNF in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a compound of Formula (I) represented by the structure:

wherein

R₁ is a 4-pyridyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 1,2,4-triazin-5-yl, quinolyl, isoquinolinyl, or quinazolin-4-yl ring which ring is optionally substituted independently by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂OR₁₂, amino, mono and di- C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(c) or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅;

R₄ is phenyl, naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl, or a heteroaryl ring, which ring is optionally substituted by one or two substituents, each of which is independently selected. and which, for a 4-phenyl, 4-naphth-1-yl, 5-naphth-2-yl or 6-naphth-2-yl substituent, is halogen, cyano, nitro, C(Z)NR₇R₁₇, C(Z)OR₁₆, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(v)OR₁₂, SR₅, SOR₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, ZC(Z)R₁₂, NR₁₀C(Z)R₁₆, or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)NR₁₀R₂₀ and which, for other positions of substitution, is halogen, cyano, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, C(Z)OR₃, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)COR₃, S(O)_(m)R₃, OR₃, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₀C(Z)R₃, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)R₈, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)NR₇R₁₇, ZC(Z)R₃ or (C₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₃R₁₄;

Z is oxygen or sulfur;

v is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2;

n is an integer having a value of 1 to 10;

m is 0, or the integer 1 or 2;

m′ is an integer having a value of 1 or 2,

m″ is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 to 5;

R₂ is a —C(H) (A) (R₂₂)_moiety;

A is an optionally substituted C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl ring, or A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl;

R₂₂ is an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl;

R_(c) is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl; arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₆ alkyl C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₃ is heterocyclyl; heterocyclylC₁₋₁₀alkyl or R_(8;)

R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl or NR₇R₁₇, excluding the moieties SR₅ being SNR₇R₁₇ and SOR₅ being SOH;

R₇ and R₁₇ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or R₇ and R₁₇ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅;

R₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkenyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)OR₁₁, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, (CR₁₀OR₂₀)_(n)NHS(O)₂R₁₈, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NR₁₃R₁₄; wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl may be optionally substituted;

R₉ is hydrogen, C(Z)R₁₁ or optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl, S(O)₂R₁₈, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₀ and R₂₀ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀alkyl, aryl, aryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

R₁₂ is hydrogen or R₁₆;

R₁₃ and R₁₄ is each independently selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with the nitrogen which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₉;

R₁₅ is R₁₀ or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₆ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₃₋₇

R₁₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, aryl₁₋₁₀alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl₁₋₁₀alkyl;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

This invention also relates to novel compounds of Formula (Ia), which are a subset of compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (Ia) and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

This invention also relates to novel compounds of Formula (II), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (II) and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent carrier.

This invention also relates to a method of treating a CSBP/RK/p38 kinase mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said. mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (II).

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting cytokines and the treatment of a cytokine mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (II).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-1, IL-6, TNF and/or IL-8 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (II).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The novel compounds of Formula (I) and (II) may also be used in association with the veterinary treatment of mammals, other than humans, in need of inhibition of cytokine inhibition or production. In particular, cytokine mediated diseases for treatment, therapeutically or prophylactically, in animals include disease states such as those noted herein in the Methods of Treatment section, but in particular viral infections. Examples of such viruses include, but are not limited to, lentivirus infections such as, equine infectious anaemia virus, caprine arthritis virus, visna virus, or maedi virus or retrovirus infections, such as but not limited to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIVE), bovine immunodeficiency virus, or canine immunodeficiency virus or other retroviral infections.

In Formula (I), suitable R₁ moieties include a 4-pyridyl, 4-pyrimidinyl ring, 4-pyridazinyl, 1,2,4-triazin-5-yl, quinolyl, isoquinolinyl, or quinazolin-4-yl ring. Preferably the R₁ ring is a 4-pyridyl, or 4-pyrimidinyl ring. The R₁ ring may be optionally substituted at least one to three times by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo, OH, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂OR₁₂, amino, mono and di-C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(c), or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅.

Preferably, the ring is unsubstituted, or is substituted by a C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkylthio moiety, or a mono C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted amino moiety, such as methyl amino. More preferably the R₁ moiety is unsubstituted or is substituted by a C_(l-10) alkoxy group, such as n-butyl, isopropoxy, ethoxy or methoxy. It is noted that the alkyl group in the mono- and di-C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted moiety may be halo substituted, such as in trifluoro- i.e., trifluoromethyl or trifluoroethyl.

Preferred ring placement on the 4-pyridyl-group is in the 2-position, such as 2-methoxy-4-pyridyl, or 2-(methylamino)-4-pyridyl. Preferred ring placement on the 4-pyrimidinyl ring is also at the 2-position, such as in 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-4-yl or 2-(methylamino)-pyrimidin-4-yl.

Suitably, R_(c) is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein all of these moieties may be optionally substituted. A preferred Rc group is C₁₋₆ alkyl. Preferably, the C₁₋₆ alkyl group may be optionally substituted, one to three times, with halogen, such as fluorine, or as in trifluoromethyl or trifluoroethyl.

When the R₁ optional substituent is N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(c), R_(c) is preferably C₁₋₆ alkyl, and R₁₀ is preferably hydrogen.

Suitably, R₄ is phenyl, naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl, or a heteroaryl ring, which ring is optionally substituted by one or two substituents as defined below. More preferably R₄ is a phenyl or naphthyl ring. Suitable substitutions for R₄ when this is a 4-phenyl, 4-naphth-1-yl, 5-naphth-2-yl or 6-naphth-2-yl moiety are one or two substituents each of which are independently selected from halogen, SR₅, SOR₅, OR₁₂, CF₃, or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)NR₁₀R₂₀, and for other positions of substitution on these rings preferred substitution is halogen, S(O)_(m)R₃, OR₃, CF₃, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₃R₁₄, NR₁₀C(Z)R₃ and NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)R₈. Preferred substituents for the 4-position in phenyl and naphth-1-yl and on the 5-position in naphth-2-yl include halogen, such as fluorine and chlorine; SR₅ and SOR₅ wherein R₅ is preferably a C₁₋₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl; more preferably the substituents are fluoro and chloro; and most preferably fluoro.

Preferred substituents for the 3-position in phenyl and naphth-1-yl rings include: halogen, especially fluoro and chloro; OR₃, especially C₁₋₄ alkoxy; CF₃, NR₁₀R₂₀, such as amino; NR₁₀C(Z)R₃, especially NHCO(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl); NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)R₈, especially NOS:2(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl); and SR₃ and SOR₃ wherein R₃ is preferably a C₁₋₂ alkyl, more preferably methyl. When the phenyl ring is disubstituted preferably it is two independent halogen moieties, such as fluoro and chloro, preferably di-chloro and more preferably in the 3,4-position. It is also preferred that for the 3-position of both the OR₃ and ZC(Z)R₃ moieties, R₃ may also include hydrogen.

When R₄ is a heteroaryl ring, the ring is preferably substituted in the same manner as the phenyl substitution noted above.

Preferably the R₄ moiety is an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl moiety. More preferably, R₄ is phenyl or phenyl substituted at the 4-position with fluoro and/or substituted at the 3-position with fluoro, chloro, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, methane-sulfonamido or acetamido, or R₄ is a phenyl di-substituted at the 3,4-position independently with chloro or fluoro, more preferably chloro. Most preferably, R₄ is a 4-fluorophenyl.

In Formula (I), Z is oxygen or sulfur, preferably oxygen.

Suitably, R₃ is heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC₁₋₁₀alkyl or R₈.

Suitably, R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl or NR₇RC17, excluding the moieties —SR₅ being SNR₇R₁₇ and SOR₅ being SOH.

Suitably, R₆ is hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄alkyl, heterocyclyl, aroyl, or C₁₋₁₀alkanoyl.

Suitably, R₇ and R₁₇ are each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or R₇ and R₁₇ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅.

Suitably, R₈ is C₁₋₁₀alkyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkenyl, aryl, aryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)OR₁₁, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(n)NHS(O)₂R₁₈, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NR₁₃R₁₄; wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl may be optionally substituted.

Suitably, R₉ is hydrogen, C(Z)R₁₁ or optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, S(O)₂R₁₈, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Suitably, R₁₀ and R₂₀ are each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Suitably, R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀alkyl, aryl, aryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and wherein all of these moieties may be optionally substituted.

Suitably, R₁₂ is hydrogen or R₁₆, and R₁₆ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl.

Suitably, R₁₃ and R₁₄ is each independently selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with the nitrogen which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₉.

Suitably, R₁₅ is R₁₀ or C(Z)—C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Suitably, R₁₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, aryl₁₋₁₀alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

Suitably, R₁₉ is hydrogen, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl or aryl.

Suitably, R₂₃ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₄ alkyl moiety, all of which may be optionally substituted.

Suitably, v is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2.

Suitably, n is an integer having a value of 1 to 10.

Suitably, m is 0, or the integer 1 or 2.

Suitably, m′ is an integer having a value of 1 or 2.

Suitably, m″ is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 to 5.

R₂ is a substituted alkyl derivative. It is recognized that the first methylene carbon in this chain is a tertiary carbon, and it will contain one hydrogen moiety. This methylene group will have has two additional substituents, an R₂₂ moiety and an A moiety, —C(H)(A)(R₂₂). Both A and R₂₂ may not be unsubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl moieties.

In a preferred embodiment, R₂ is a —C(AA₁)(A) moiety, wherein Al₁ is the R₂₂ moiety, but is specifically the side chain residue (R) of an amino acid, as is further described herein.

Suitably, A is an optionally substituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic ring, or A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl moiety.

When A is an aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic ring, the ring may be substituted independently one or more times, preferably, 1 to 3 times by C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; halogen; halo substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, such as CF₃; (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(a)OR₁₁; (CR₁₀R₂O)_(a)NR₁₃R₁₄, especially amino or mono- or di-C₁₋₄ alkylamino; (CR₁₀OR₂₀)_(a)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; SH; NR₁₀C(Z)R₃ (such NHCO(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)); or NR₁₀S(O)_(m)R₈ (such as NH SO₂(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)).

Suitably, t is 0, or an integer of 1 to 4.

When A is an optionally substituted cycloalkyl it is as defined below with the R₂₂ substitution.

When A is an optionally substituted heterocyclyl ring, the ring is preferably a morpholino, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl or a piperidinyl ring.

When A is an optionally substituted aryl moiety, it is preferably a phenyl ring.

When A is an optionally substituted heteroaryl ring, it is as defined below in the definition section.

When A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl moiety, the alkyl chain may be straight or branched. The chain is substituted independently 1 or more times, preferably 1 to 3 times by halogen, such as fluorine chlorine, bromine or iodine: halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, such as CF₃; C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy; halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as OCF₂CF₂H; OR₁₁; S(O)r₁₈ (wherein m is 0, 1 or 2); NR₁₃R₁₄; C(Z)NR₁₃R14; S(O)_(m′)NR₁₃R₁₄; NR₂₃C(Z)R₁₁; NHS(O)₂R₁₈; C(Z)R₁₁; OC(Z)R₁₁; C(Z)OR₁₁; C(Z)NR₁₁OR₉; N(OR₆)C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; N(OR₆)C(Z)R₁₁; C(═NOR₆)R₁₁; NR₂₃C(═NR₁₉)NR₁₃R₁₄; OC(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; NR₂₃C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; or NR₂₃C(Z)OR₁₀.

Preferably A is a C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, or a C₁₋₆ alkyl, more preferably a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, i.e. a methylene or ethylene moiety, more preferably a methylene moiety which is substituted by one of the above noted groups.

Preferably, when A is a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, it is substituted by OR₁₁ where R₁₁ is preferably hydrogen, aryl or arylalkyl; NR₁₃R₁₄; OC(Z)R₁₁; or C(Z)OR₁₁.

More preferably, A is substituted by OR₁₁ where R₁₁ is hydrogen.

Suitably, R₂₂ is a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl chain, which chain may be straight or branched and which may be optionally substituted independently, one or more times, preferably 1 to 3 times, by halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine; halo substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy; halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as OCF₂CF₂H; OR₁₁; S(O)_(m)R₁₈; NR₁₃R₁₄; C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; S(O)_(m′)NR₁₃R₁₄; NR₂₃C(Z)R₁₁; NHS(O)₂R₁₈; C(Z)R₁₁; OC(Z)R₁₁; C(Z)OR₁₁; C(Z)NR₁₁OR₉; N(OR₆)C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; N(OR₆)C(Z)R₁₁; C(═NOR₆)R₁₁: NR₂₃C(═NR₁₉)NR₁₃R₁₄; OC(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; NR₂₃C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄; NR₂₃C(Z)OR₁₀; optionally substituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl; optionally substituted aryl, such as phenyl; optionally substituted heteroaryl; or an optionally substituted heterocyclic. The optional substituents on these cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic moieties are as defined herein below.

It is noted that those R₂₂ substituent groups which contain carbon as the first connecting group, i.e. C(Z)OR₁₁; C(Z)NR₁₁OR₉, C(Z)R₁₁, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, and C(═NOR₆)R₁₁, may be the sole carbon in alkyl chain. Therefore, the R₂₂ group may, for instance, be a carboxy, an aldehyde, or an amide, as well as being a substituent off a methylene unit, such as carbamoylmethyl, or acetamidomethyl.

Preferably R₂₂ is a C₁₋₆ unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, such as a C₁₋₆ alkylene, such as methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, or a methylene or ethylene moiety substituted by one of the above noted moieties, or as noted above those substituent groups which contain a carbon may substituent for the first methylene unit of the alkyl chain, such as carboxy, C(O)OR₁₁, C(O)NR₁₃R₁₄, or R₂₂ is an optionally substituted aryl group, such as a benzyl or phenethyl. In other words, R₂₂ can be an optionally substituted alkyl group, or R₂₂ can be C(Z)OR₁₁, C(Z)NR₁₀R₉, C(Z)R₁₁, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, or C(═NOR₆)R₁₁.

Preferably, R₂₂ is a C₁₋₆ unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, more preferably a C₁₋₂ alkylene chain, such as a methylene or ethylene moiety, more preferably methylene.

Preferably the alkyl chain is substituted by OR₁₁, where R₁₁is preferably hydrogen, aryl or arylalkyl; S(O)_(m)R₁₈, where m is 0 and R₁₈ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl; or an optionally substituted aryl, i.e. a benzyl or phenethyl moiety.

More preferably, R₂₂ is phenyl, benzyl, CH₂OH, or CH₂—O—aryl.

Preferably one or both of A and R₂₂ contain hydroxy moieties, such as in C₁₋₆ alkyl OR₁₁, wherein R₁₁ is hydrogen, i.e. CH₂CH₂OH.

Suitably, when AA₁ is the (R) side chain residue of an amino acid, it is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, which may be straight or branched. This means the R group off the core amino acid of the structure R—C(H)(COOH)(NH₂). The R residue term is for example, CH₃ for alanine, (CH₃)₂CH- for valine, (CH₃)₂CH—CH₂— for leucine, phenyl-CH₂— for phenylalanine, CH₃—S—CH₂—CH₂— for methionine, etc. All generally recognized primary amino acids are included in this groups, such as but not limited to, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, hydroxylysine, methylhistidine, and other naturally occurring amino acids not found in proteins, such as β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, homocysteine, homoserine, citrulline, ornithine, canavanine, djenkolic acid, and P-cyanoalanine, or other naturally occurring non-mammalian amino acids.

Preferably AA₁ is the residue of phenylalanine, or alanine.

When R₂₂ is an optionally substituted heterocyclic moiety, the ring is preferably a morpholino, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, or a piperidinyl group. When the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted the substituents may be directly attached to the free nitrogen, such as in the piperidinyl group or pyrrole ring, or on the ring itself. Preferably the ring is a piperidine or pyrrole, more preferably piperidine.

The R₂₂ heterocyclyl ring may be optionally substitute done to four times independently by halogen; C₁₋₄ alkyl; aryl, such as phenyl; arylalkyl, such as benzyl, (and wherein the aryl or aryl alkyl moieties themselves may be optionally substituted as defined in the definition section below); C(O)OR₁₁, such as the C(O)C₁₋₄ alkyl or C(O)OH moieties; C(O)H; C(O)C₁₋₄ alkyl; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl; C₁₋₄ alkoxy; S(O)_(m)C₁₋₄ alkyl (wherein m is 0, 1, or 2); or NR₁₀R₂₀ (wherein R₁₀ and-R₂₀ are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl).

Preferably if the ring is a piperidine, the substituents are attached directly on the available nitrogen, i.e. a 1-Formyl-4-piperidine, 1-benzyl-4-piperidine, 1-methyl-4-piperidine, 1-ethoxycarbonyl-4-piperidine. If the ring is substituted by an alkyl group and the ring is attached in the 4-position, it is preferably substituted in the 2- or 6-position or both, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidine. Similarly, if the ring is a pyrrole, the substituents are all directly on the available nitrogen.

When the R₂₂ optional substituent is an optionally substituted aryl, it is preferably a phenyl; or when R₂₂ is an optionally substituted heteroaryl ring (as defined in the definition section below), the rings may be optionally substituted independently one or more times, preferably by one to three times by C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; halogen, especially fluoro or chloro; (CR₁₀OR₂₀)_(t)OR₁₁; (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(t)NR₁₃R₁₄; especially amino or mono- or di-C₁₋₄ alkylamino; (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(t)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; SH; OR₁₁; NR₁₀C(Z)R₃ (such NHCO(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)); or (O)_(m)R₈ (such as NHSO2(C₁₋₁₀ alkyl)).

When A or R₂₂ contains or is an (optionally) substituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl group, it is preferably a C₃ or C₆ ring, most preferably a C₃ ring, which ring may be optionally substituted. The cycloalkyl ring may be optionally substituted one to three times independently by halogen, such as fluorine, or chlorine; (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(t)OR₁₁; S(O)_(m)R18; cyano, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(t)NR₁₃R₁₄, especially amino or mono- or di-C₁₋₄ alkylamino; N(R₁₀)C(O)X₁ and X₁ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, aryl or arylC₁₋₄ alkyl; C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or t-butyl; an optionally substituted alkyl wherein the substituents are halogen; (such as CF₃), hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino, NR₁₃R₁₄, or S(O)_(m)R₁₈; an optionally substituted alkylene, such as ethylene or propylene; an optionally substituted alkyne, such as ethyne; C(O)OR₁₁; the group R_(e); C(O)H; ═O; ═N—OR₁₁; N(H)—OH (or substituted alkyl or aryl derivatives thereof on the nitrogen or the oxime moiety); or N(OR_(d))—C(O)—R_(f).

Suitably R_(d) is hydrogen, a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, aroyl or a C₁₋₁₀ alkanoyl group.

Suitably R_(e) is a 1,3-dioxyalkylene group of the formula —O—(CH₂)_(s)—O—, wherein s is 1 to 3, preferably s is 2 yielding a 1,3-dioxyethylene moiety, or ketal functionality.

Suitably, R_(f) is NR₂₁R₂₄; alkyl₁₋₆; halosubstituted alkyl₁₋₆; hydroxy substituted alkyl₁₋₆; alkenyl₂₋₆; aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl₁₋₆, halosubstituted alkyl₁₋₆, hydroxyl, or alkoxy₁₋₆.

Suitably R₂₁ is hydrogen, or alkyl₁₋₆.

Suitably R₂₄ is hydrogen, alkyl₁₋₆, aryl, benzyl, heteroaryl, alkyl substituted by halogen or hydroxyl, or phenyl-substituted by a member selected from the group consisting of halo, cyano, alkyl₁₋₆, alkoxy₁₋₆, halosubstituted alkyl₁₋₆, S(O)m alkyl₁₋₆; or R₂₁ and R₂₄ may together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a ring having 5 to 7 members, which members may be optionally replaced by a heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen. The ring may be saturated or contain more than one unsaturated bond. Preferably R_(f) is NR₂₁ R₂₄, and more preferably R₂₁ and R₂₄ are both hydrogen.

When the A or R₂₂ optional substituent is NR₁₃R₁₄ it is recognized that in some instances this can yield the same moiety as a heterocyclic moiety noted above which is also a suitable variable. Preferably R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, preferably methyl, or benzyl.

When the A or R₂₂ optional substituent is a C(Z)OR₁₁ group, R₁₁ is suitably hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, especially methyl.

When the A or R₂₂ optional substituent is a S(O)_(m)R₁₈ group, R₁₈ is preferably aryl, especially phenyl, or a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, especially methyl, or ethyl.

When the A or R₂₂ optional substituent is a OR₁₁ group, R₁₁ is preferably hydrogen, aryl, especially phenyl, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, especially methyl or ethyl.

When the A or R₂₂ optional substituent is a NHS(O)₂R₁₈ group, R₁₈ is suitably alkyl, especially methyl.

As used herein “optionally substituted” unless specifically defined shall mean such groups as halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine; hydroxy; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, S(O)_(m)alkyl, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2, such as methyl thio, methylsulfinyl or methyl sulfonyl; NR₇R₁₇; C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, etc.; C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, or C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl alkyl group, such as cyclopropyl methyl; halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl]such CF₂CF₂H, or CF₃; halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, such as OCF₂CF₂H; optionally substituted aryl, such as phenyl; or an optionally substituted arylalkyl, such as benzyl or phenethyl, wherein these aryl moieties may also be substituted one to two times by halogen, hydroxy, hydroxy substituted alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, hydroxy substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, S(O)_(m)C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, NR₇R₁₇, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, or a halosubstituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

In a preferred-subgenus of compounds of Formula (I), R₁ is 2-methoxy-4-pyridyl or 2-methoxy-4-pyrimidinyl; and R₄ is phenyl or phenyl substituted one or two times by fluoro; chloro, C₁₋₄ alkoxy; S(O)_(m)alkyl methanesulfonamido or acetamido; A is CH₂OH, phenyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂NH(methyl) or CH₂N(dimethyl); and R₂₂ is methyl, ethyl, C₃₋₆, cycloalkyl, benzyl, CH₂OH, CH₂CH₂OH, or CH₂—O—phenyl; alternatively the R₂ group is 1-hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-yl, 1-hydroxyprop-2-yl, 1-hydroxybut-2-yl, 1,3.-dihydroxyprop-2-yl, or 1-hydroxy-2-phenyethy-2-yl.

Suitably pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known to those skilled in the art and include basic salts of inorganic and organic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methane sulphonic acid, ethane sulphonic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, phenylacetic acid and mandelic acid. In addition, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I) may also be formed with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, for instance, if a substituent group comprises a carboxy moiety. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable cations are well known to those skilled in the art and include alkaline, alkaline earth, ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations.

The following terms, as used herein, refer to:

“halo” or “halogens”, include the halogens: chloro, fluoro, bromo and iodo.

“C₁₋₁₀alkyl” or “alkyl”—both straight and branched chain radicals of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is otherwise limited, including, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl and the like.

“cycloalkyl” is used herein to mean cyclic radicals, preferably of 3 to 7 carbons, including but not limited to cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like.

“cycloalkenyl” is used herein to mean cyclic radicals, preferably of 5 to 8 carbons, which have at least one bond including but not limited to cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, and the like.

“alkenyl” is used herein at all occurrences to mean straight or branched chain radical of 2-10 carbon atoms, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including, but not limited to ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl and the like.

“aryl”—phenyl and naphthyl;

“heteroaryl“—(on its own or in any combination, such as “heteroarylbxy”, or “heteroaryl alkyl”)—a 5-10 membered aromatic ring system in which one or more rings contain one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O or S, such as, but not limited to pyrrole, pyrazole, furan; thiophene, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazolinyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, oxazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, triazole, imidazole, or benzimidazole.

“heterocyclic” (on its own or in any combination, such as “heterocyclylalkyl”)—a saturated or partially unsaturated 4-10 membered ring system in which one or more rings contain one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O or S; such as, but not limited to, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydropyran, or imidazolidine.

“aralkyl” or “heteroarylalkyl” or “heterocyclicalkyl” is used herein to mean C₁₋₄ alkyl as defined above attached to an aryl, heteroaryl or heterocyclic moiety as also defined herein unless otherwise indicate.

“sulfinyl”—the oxide S(O) of the corresponding sulfide, the term “thio” refers to the sulfide, and the term “sulfonyl” refers to the fully oxidized S(O)₂ moiety.

“aroyl”—a C(O)Ar, wherein Ar is as phenyl, naphthyl, or aryl alkyl derivative such as defined above, such group include but are not limited to benzyl and phenethyl.

“alkanoyl”—a C(O)C₁₋₁₀ alkyl wherein the alkyl is as defined above.

It is recognized that the compounds of the present invention may exist as stereoisomers, regioisomers, or diastereiomers. These compounds may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic and optically active forms. All of these compounds are included within the scope of the present invention.

Exemplified compounds of Formula (I) include:

1-(1-Hydroxy-2-pheneth-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(1-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole 1-(1,3-Dihydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-(1,3-Dihydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

1-(1-Dimethylamino-prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Dimethylamino-prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

1-(1-(Carbomethoxy)prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Phenoxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)-amino]-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(N-methyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(pyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention are the novel compounds of Formula (Ia) which are a subset of compounds of Formula (I) wherein R₁ is specifically a 4-pyridazinyl or 1,2,4-triazin-5-yl ring, which may be optionally substituted the same as in Formula (I).

This invention therefore also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (Ia) and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

This invention also relates to a method of treating a CSBP/RK/p38 kinase mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia).

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting cytokines and the treatment of a cytokine mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia).

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-1, TNF and IL-8 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia).

Yet another aspect of the present invention are the novel compounds of Formula (II) represented by the structure:

R₁ is a 4-pyridyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 4-quinolyl, 6-isoquinolinyl, or 4-quinazolinyl ring which ring is substituted by NHR_(a), and which ring may be additionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, C₁₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂₀R₁₂, amino, mono and di-C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(b) or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅;

R₄ is phenyl, naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl, or a heteroaryl, which is optionally substituted by one or two substituents, each of which is independently selected, and which, for a 4-phenyl, 4-naphth-1-yl, 5-naphth-2-yl or 6-naphth-2-yl substituent, is halogen, cyano, nitro, C(Z)NR₇R₁₇, C(Z)OR₁₆, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)COR₁₂, SR₅, SOR₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, ZC(Z)R₁₂, NR₁₀C(Z)R₁₆, or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)NR₁₀R₂₀ and which, for other positions of substitution, is halogen, cyano, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, C(Z)OR₃, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(m″)COR₃, S(O)_(m)R₃, OR₃, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m′), NR₁₀C(Z)R₃, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)R₈, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)NR₇R₁₇, ZC(Z)R₃ or (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₃R₁₄;

Z is oxygen or sulfur;

n is an integer having a value of 1 to 10;

m is 0, or the integer 1 or 2;

m′ is an integer having a value of 1 or 2,

m″ is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 to 5;

v is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2;

R_(2,)is a —C(H)(A)(R₂₂) moiety;

A is an optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl. heteroaryl, or A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

R₂₂ is an optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

R_(a) is aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heteroaryl; heteroarylC₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein each of these moieties may be optionally substituted;

R_(b) is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₄ alkyl, wherein each of these moieties may be optionally substituted;

R₃ is heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl or R₈;

R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl or NR₇R₁₇, excluding the moieties SR₅ being SNR₇R₁₇ and SOR₅ being SOH;

R₇ and R₁₇ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or R₇ and R₁₇ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅;

R₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkenyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)OR₁₁, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)S(O)_(m)R₁ ₈, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(n)NHS(O)-2R₁₈ (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NR₁₃R₁₄; wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl may be optionally substituted;

R₉ is hydrogen, —C(Z)R₁₁ or optionally substituted alkyl, S(O)₂ R₁₈, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₀ and R₂₀ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

R₁₂is hydrogen or R₁₆;

R₁₃ and R₁₄ is each independently selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with the nitrogen which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₉;

R₁₅ is R₁₀ or C(Z)—C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₁₆ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo-substituted —C₁₋₄ alkyl; or C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl;

R₁₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, aryl₁₋₁₀alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; heteroaryl or heteroaryl₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In compounds of Formula (II), suitable R₁ moieties includes 4-pyridyl; 4-pyrimidinyl, 4-quinolyl, 6-isoquinolinyl, 4-quinazolinyl, 1-imidazolyl and 1-benzimidazolyl, of which the 4-pyridyl, 4-pyrimidinyl and 4-quinolyl are preferred. More preferred is an optionally substituted 4-pyrimidinyl or optionally substituted 4-pyridyl moiety, and most preferred is an optionally substituted 4-pyrimidinyl ring.

The R₁ moiety is substituted by NHR_(a), and R₁ may also be additionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂OR₁₂, amino, mono and di- C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(b) or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅.

Suitably, R_(a) is an aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclicC₁₋₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylC₁₋₆ alkyl ring, wherein each of these R_(a) moieties may be optionally substituted as defined below.

When R_(a) is aryl, it is preferably phenyl or napthyl. When R_(a) is arylalkyl, it is preferably benzyl or napthylmethyl. When R_(a) is a heterocyclic or heterocyclic alkyl moiety, the heterocyclic portion is preferably pyrrolindinyl, piperidine, piperazine, morpholino, tetrahydropyran, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyransulfinyl, tetrahydrothio-pyransulfonyl, pyrrolindinyl, indole, or piperonyl ring. It is noted that the heterocyclic rings herein may contain unsaturation, such as in a tryptamine ring.

When R_(a) is a heteroaryl ring as defined below in the definition section, it is preferably a pyridine or tetrazole ring.

The R_(a) aryl, heterocyclic and heteroaryl rings may be optionally substituted one or more times, preferably one to three times, independently with halogen; C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or t-butyl; halosubstituted alkyl, such as CF₃; hydroxy; hydroxy substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl; (CR₁₀ R₂₀)q C₁₋₄ alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy ; (C₁₀R₂₀)q S(O)_(m)alkyl and; (C₁₀R₂₀)qS(O)_(m)aryl (wherein m is 0, 1, or 2); (CR₁₀ R₂₀)qC(O)OR₁₁, such as C(O)C₁₋₄ alkyl or C(O)OH moieties; (CR₁₀ R₂₀)qC(O)OR₁₁; (CR₁₀R₂₀)qOC(O)Rc; —O—(CH₂)s—O—, such as in a ketal or dioxyalkylene bridge; (C₁₀R₂₀)qNR₁₃R₁₄; (CR₁₀R₂₀)qN(R₁₀)C(O)R_(b); (CR₁₀R₂ ₀)qC(O)NR₁₃R₁₄; (CR₁₀R₂₀)qC(O)NR₁₀R_(c); (CR₁₀R₂₀)qS(O)₂NR₁₃R₄; (CR₁₀R₂₀)qS(O)₂ NR₁₀R_(c); (CR₁₀R₂₀)qN(R₁₀)S(O)₂ R_(c); cyano; nitro, or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅; aryl, such as phenyl; an optionally substituted arylalkyl, such as benzyl or phenethyl; aryloxy, such as phenoxy; or arylalkyloxy such as benzyloxy; and wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, aryloxy and arylalkyloxy moieties may be optionally substituted themselves one to two times by halogen, hydroxy, hydroxy substituted alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxy, S(O)_(m) alkyl, NR₇R₁₇, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or halosubstituted C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Suitably, q is 0 or an integer having a value of 1 to 4.

R_(b) is suitably hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₄ alkyl moiety; all of which may be optionally substituted. A preferred R_(b) group is C₁₋₆ alkyl. Preferably the C₁₋₆ alkyl-groups may be optionally substituted, 1 to 3 times by halogen, such as fluorine, i.e. in trifluoromethyl or trifluoroethyl.

Suitably R_(a) groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl, halosubstituted benzyl, napthylmethyl, phenyl, halosubstituted phenyl, aminocarbonylphenyl, alkylphenyl, cyanophenyl, alkylthiophenyl, hydroxyphenyl, alkoxyphenyl, phenoxyphenyl, benzyloxyphenyl. phenylphenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, methylsulfonylphenyl, tetrazole, methyltetrazolyl, morpholinopropyl, piperonyl, piperidin-4-yl, alkyl substituted piperidine, such as 1-methyl piperidine, or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl.

When the R₁ optional substituent is N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(b), R_(b) is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkyl; and R₁₀ is preferably hydrogen.

The preferred ring placement on the R₁ substituent for NHR_(a), on the 4-pyridyl derivative is the 2-position, and a preferred ring placement on the 4-pyrimidinyl ring is also at the 2-position.

All of the remaining substituent groups of Formula (II), are as defined above for compounds of Formula (I). Such groups include the R₄, v, n, m, m′, m″, s, t, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, , R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₂₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, R₁₇, R₁₈, R₁₉, R₂₁, R₂₂, R₂₃, R₂₄, A, and Z, etc. terms.

This invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula (II) and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

This invention relates to a method of treating a CSBP/RK/p38 kinase mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (II).

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting cytokines and the treatment of a cytokine mediated disease, in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula(II);

This invention more specifically relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-1, IL-6, TNF and IL-8 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (II).

Exemplified compounds of Formula (II) are:

1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[(N-phenyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

SYNTHETIC METHODS

The compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), and (II) may be obtained by applying synthetic procedures, some of which are illustrated in Schemes I to XII herein. For purposes herein, use of the term compounds of Formula (I) is also meant to include compounds of Formula (Ia) and (II) respectively. Therefore, the synthesis provided for in these Schemes is applicable for the producing compounds of Formula (I), and (II) having a variety of different R₁, R₂, and R₄ groups which are reacted, employing optional substituents which are suitably protected, to achieve compatibility with the reactions outlined herein. Subsequent deprotection, in those cases, then affords compounds of the nature generally disclosed. Once the imidazole nucleus has been established, further compounds of Formula (I) may be prepared by applying standard techniques for functional group interconversion, well known in the art.

For instance: C(O)NR₁₃R₁₄ from CO₂CH₃ by heating with or without catalytic metal cyanide, e.g. NaCN, and HNR₁₃R₁₄ in CH₃OH; OC(O)R₃ from OH with e.g., CIC(O)R₃ in pyridine; NR₁₀C(S)NR₁₃R₁₄ from NHR₁₀ with an alkylisothiocyante or thiocyanic acid; NR₆C(O)OR₆ from NHR₆ with the alkyl chloroformate; NR₁₀C(O)NR₁₃R₁₄ from NHR₁₀ by treatment with an isocyanate, e.g. HN═C═O or R₁₀N═C=O; NR₁₀C(O)R₈ from NHR₁₀ by treatment with Cl—C(O)R₃ in pyridine; C(═NR₁₀)NR₁₃R₁₄ from C(NR₁₃R₁₄)SR₃ with H₃NR₃ ⁺Oac⁻ by heating in alcohol; C(NR₁₃R₁₄)SR₃ from C(S)NR₁₃R₁₄ with R₆I in an inert solvent, e.g. acetone; C(S)NR₁₃R₁₄ (where R₁₃ or R₁₄ is not hydrogen) from C(S)NH₂ with HNR₁₃R₁₄C(═NCN)—NR₁₃R₁₄ from C(═NR₁₃R₁₄)SR₃ with NH₂CN by heating in anhydrous alcohol, alternatively from —C(═NH)—NR₁₃R₁₄ by treatment with BrCN and NaOEt in EtOH; NR₁₀C(═NCN)SR₈ from NHR₁₀ by treatment with (R₈S)₂C═NCN; NR₁₀SO₂R₃ from NHR₁₀ by treatment with CISO₂R₃ by heating in pyridine; NR₁₀C(S)R₃ from NR₁₀C(O)R₈ by treatment with Lawesson's reagent [2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane-2,4-disulfide]; NR₁₀SO₂CF₃ from NHR₆ with triflic anhydride and base wherein R₃, R₆, R₁₀, R₁₃, and R₁₄ are as defined in Formula (I) herein.

Precursors of the groups R₁, R₂ and R₄ can be other R₁, R₂ and R₄ groups which can be interconverted by applying standard techniques for functional group interconversion. For example, a compound of the formula (I) wherein R₂ contains a halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl can be converted to the corresponding C₁₋₁₀ alkylN₃ derivative by reacting with a suitable azide salt, and thereafter if desired can be reduced to the corresponding C₁₋₁₀ alkylNH₂ compound, which in turn can be reacted with R₁₈S(O)₂X wherein X is halo (e.g., chloro) to yield the corresponding C₁₋₁₀ alkylNHS(O)₂R₁₈ compound.

Alternatively a compound of the formula (I) where R₂ is halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀-alkyl can be reacted with an amine R₁₃R₁₄NH to yield the corresponding C₁₋₁₀-alkylNR₁₃R₁₄ compound, or can be reacted with an alkali metal salt of R₁₈SH to yield the corresponding C₁₋₁₀ alkylSR₁₈ compound.

Referring to Scheme I the compounds of Formula (I) are suitably prepared by reacting a compound of the Formula (IIa) (which is also referred to as II-scheme I) with a compound of the Formula (III) wherein p is 0 or 2, R₁, R₂ and R₄ are as defined herein, for Formula (I), or are precursors of the groups R_(C) ₁₋₁₀, R₂ and R₄, and Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group, and thereafter if necessary converting a precursor of R₁, R₂ and R₄ to a group R₁, R₂ and R₄.

Suitably, the reaction is performed at ambient temperature or with cooling (e.g. 50° to 10°) or heating in an inert solvent such as methylene chloride, DMF, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, acetonitrile, or dimethoxyethane in the presence of an appropriate base such as 1,8-diazabicyclo [5.4.0.] undec-7-ene (DBU) or a guanidine base such as 1,5,7-triaza-bicyclo [4.4.0]-dec-5-ene (TBD). The intermediates of formula (II) have been found to be very stable and capable of storage for a long time. Preferably, p is 2. PTC is defined as a phase transfer catalyst.

In a process of making compounds of Formula (I), and (II) are compounds of the Formula (IIa) having the structure:

wherein p is 0, or 2; R₄ is as defined for Formula (I) and (II); and Ar is an optionally substituted aryl as defined herein below. Preferably, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy or halo. More preferably, Ar is phenyl or 4-methylphenyl, i.e. a tosyl derivative.

Reaction of a compound of the Formula (IIa) wherein p=2, with a compound of the Formula (III) in Scheme I gives consistently higher yields of compounds of Formula (I) than when p=0. In addition, the reaction of Formula (IIa) compounds wherein p=2 is more environmentally and economically attractive. When. p=0, the preferred solvent used is methylene chloride, which is environmentally unattractive for large scale processing, and the preferred base, TBD, is also expensive, and produces some byproducts and impurities, than when using the commercially attractive synthesis (p=2) as further described herein.

As noted, Scheme I utilizes the 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of an anion of a substituted aryl thiomethylisocyanide (when p=0) to an imine. More specifically, this reaction requires a strong base, such as an amine base, to be used for the deprotonation step. The commercially available TBD is preferred although t-butoxide, Li+ or Na+, or K+hexamethyldisilazide may also be used. While methylene chloride is the preferred solvent, other halogenated solvents, such as chloroform or carbon tetrachloride; ethers, such as THF, DME, DMF, diethylether, t-butyl methyl ether; as well as acetonitrile, toluene or mixtures thereof can be utilized. The reaction may take place from about −20° C. to about; 40° C., preferably from about 0° C. to about 23° C., more preferably from about 0° C. to about 10° C., and most preferably about 4° C. for reactions involving an R₁ group of pyrimidine. For compounds wherein R₁ is pyridine, it is recognized that varying the reactions conditions of both temperature and solvent may be necessary, such as decreasing temperatures to about −50° C. or changing the solvent to THF.

In a further process, compounds of Formula (I) and (II) may be prepared by coupling a suitable derivative of a compound of Formula (IX):

wherein T₁ is hydrogen and T₄ is R₄, or alternatively T₁ is R₁ and T₄ is H in which R₁, R₂ and R₄ are as hereinbefore defined; with: (i) when T₁ is hydrogen, a suitable derivative of the heteroaryl ring R₁H, under ring coupling conditions, to effect coupling of the heteroaryl ring R₁ to the imidazole nucleus at position 5; (ii) when T₄ is hydrogen, a suitable derivative of the aryl ring R₄H, under ring coupling conditions, to effect coupling of the aryl ring R₄ to the imidazole nucleus at position 4.

Such aryl/heteroaryl coupling reactions are well known to those skilled in the art. In general, an organometallic synthetic equivalent of an anion of one component is coupled with a reactive derivative of the second component, in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The anion equivalent may be formed from either the imidazole of Formula (IX), in which case the aryl/heteroaryl compound provides the reactive derivative, or the aryl/heteroaryl compound in which case the imidazole provides the reactive derivative. Accordingly, suitable derivatives of the compound of Formula (IX) or the aryl/heteroaryl rings include organometallic derivatives such as organomagnesium, organozinc, organostannane and boronic acid derivatives and suitable reactive derivatives include the bromo, iodo, fluorosulfonate and trifluoromethanesulphonate derivatives. Suitable procedures are described in WO 91/19497, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Suitable organomagnesium and organozinc derivatives of a compound of Formula (IX) may be reacted with a halogen, fluorosulfonate or triflate derivative of the heteroaryl or aryl ring, in the presence of a ring coupling catalyst, such as a palladium (O) or palladium (II) catalyst, following the procedure of Kumada et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 22, 5319 (1981). Suitable such catalysts include tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium and PdCl₂[1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-butane], optionally in the presence of lithium chloride and a base, such as triethylamine. In addition, a nickel (II) catalyst, such as Ni(II)Cl₂(1,2-biphenylphosphino)ethane, may also be used for coupling an aryl ring, following the procedure of Pridgen et al., J. Org. Chem, 1982, 47, 4319. Suitable reaction solvents include hexamethyl-phosphoramide. When the heteroaryl ring is 4-pyridyl, suitable derivatives include 4-bromo- and 4-iodo-pyridine and the fluorosulfonate and triflate esters of 4-hydroxy pyridine. Similarly, suitable derivatives for when the aryl ring is phenyl include the bromo, fluorosulfonate, triflate and, preferably, the iodo-derivatives. Suitable organomagnesium and organozinc derivatives may be obtained by treating a compound of Formula (IX) or the bromo derivative thereof with an alkyllithium compound to yield the corresponding lithium reagent by deprotonation or transmetallation, respectively. This lithium intermediate may then be treated with an excess of a magnesium halide or zinc halide to yield the corresponding organometallic reagent.

A trialkyltin derivative of the compound of Formula (IX) may be treated with a bromide, fluorosulfonate, triflate, or, preferably, iodide derivative of an aryl or heteroaryl ring compound, in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, preferably containing 10% hexamethylphosphoramide, in the presence of a suitable coupling catalyst, such as a palladium (0) catalyst, for instance tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)-palladium, by the method described in by Stille, J. Amer. Chem. Soc, 1987, 109, 5478, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,719,218 and 5,002,941, or by using a palladium (II) catalyst in the presence of lithium chloride optionally with an added base such as triethylamine, in an inert solvent such as dimethyl formamide. Trialkyltin derivatives may be conveniently obtained by metallation of the corresponding compound of Formula (IX) with a lithiating agent, such as s-butyl-lithium or n-butyllithium, in an ethereal solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, or treatment of the bromo derivative of the corresponding compound of Formula (IX) with an alkyl lithium, followed, in each case, by treatment with a trialkyltin halide. Alternatively, the bromo derivative of a compound of Formula (IX) may be treated with a suitable heteroaryl or aryl trialkyl tin compound in the presence of a catalyst such as tetrakis-(triphenyl-phosphine)-palladium, under conditions similar to those described above.

Boronic acid derivatives are also useful. Hence, a suitable derivative of a compound of Formula (IX), such as the bromo, iodo, triflate or fluorosulphonate derivative, may be reacted with a heteroaryl- or aryl-boronic acid, in the presence of a palladium catalyst such as tetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)-palladium or PdCI₂[1,4-bis-(diphenyl-phosphino)-butane] in the presence of a base such as sodium bicarbonate, under reflux conditions, in a solvent such as dimethoxyethane (see Fischer and Haviniga, Rec. Trav. Chim. Pays Bas, 84, 439, 1965, Snieckus, V., Tetrahedron Lett., 29, 2135, 1988 and Terashimia, M., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 11, 4755, 1985). Non-aqueous conditions, for instance, a solvent such as DMF, at a temperature of about 100° C., in the presence of a Pd(II) catalyst may also be employed (see Thompson W J et al, J Org Chem, 49, 5237, 1984). Suitable boronic acid derivatives may be prepared by treating the magnesium or lithium derivative with a trialkylborate ester, such as triethyl, tri-iso-propyl or tributylborate, according to standard procedures.

In such coupling reactions, it will be readily appreciated that due regard must be exercised with respect to functional groups present in the compounds of Formula (IX). Thus, in general, amino and sulfur substituents should be non-oxidized or protected.

Compounds of Formula (IX) are imidazoles and may be obtained by any of the procedures herein before described for preparing compounds of Formula (I). In particular, an α-halo-ketone or other suitably activated ketones R₄COCH₂Hal (for compounds of Formula (IX) in which T₁ is hydrogen) or R₁COCH₂Hal (for compounds of Formula (IX) in which T₄ is hydrogen) may be reacted with an amidine of the formula R₂NH—C═NH, wherein R₂ is as defined in Formula (I), or a salt thereof, in an inert solvent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, for instance chloroform, at a moderately elevated temperature, and if necessary, in the presence of a suitable condensation agent such as a base. The preparation of suitable α-halo-ketones is described in WO 91/19497. Suitable reactive esters include esters of strong organic acids such as a lower alkane sulphonic or aryl sulphonic acid, for instance, methane or p-toluene sulphonic acid. The amidine is preferably used as the salt, suitably the hydrochloride salt, which may then be converted into the free amidine in situ, by employing a two phase system in which the reactive ester is in an inert organic solvent such as chloroform, and the salt is in an aqueous phase to which a solution of an aqueous base is slowly added, in dimolar amount, with vigorous stirring. Suitable amidines may be obtained by standard methods, see for instance, Garigipati R, Tetrahedron Letters, 190, 31, 1989.

Compounds Formula (I) and (II) may also be prepared by a process which comprises reacting a compound of Formula (IX), wherein T₁ is hydrogen, with an N-acyl heteroaryl salt, according to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,279, U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,218 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,941, to give an intermediate in which the heteroaryl ring is attached to the imidazole nucleus and is present as a 1,4-dihydro derivative thereof, which intermediate may then be subjected to oxidative-deacylation conditions (Scheme II). The heteroaryl salt, for instance a pyridinium salt, may be either preformed or, more preferably, prepared in situ by adding a substituted carbonyl halide (such as an acyl halide, an aroyl halide, an arylalkyl haloformate ester, or preferably, an alkyl haloformate ester, such as acetyl bromide, benzoylchloride, benzyl chloroformate, or, preferably, ethyl chloroformate) to a solution of the compound of Formula (IX) in the heteroaryl compound R₁H or in an inert solvent such as methylene chloride to which the heteroaryl compound has been added. Suitable deacylating and oxidizing conditions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,803,279, 4,719,218 and 5,002,941, which references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Suitable oxidizing systems include sulfur in an inert solvent or solvent mixture, such as decalin, decalin and diglyme, p-cymene; xylene or mesitylene, under reflux conditions, or preferably, potassium t-butoxide in t-butanol with dry air or oxygen.

In a further process, illustrated in Scheme III below, compounds of Formula (I) may be prepared by treating a compound of Formula (X) thermally or with the aid of a cyclising agent such as phosphorus oxychloride or phosphorus pentachloride (see Engel and Steglich, Liebigs Ann Chem, 1978, 1916 and Strzybny et al., J Org Chem, 1963, 28, 3381). Compounds of Formula (X) may be obtained, for instance, by acylating the corresponding a-keto-amine with an activated formate derivative such as the corresponding anhydride, under standard acylating conditions followed by formation of the imine with R₂NR₂. The aminoketone may be derived from the parent ketone by oxamination and reduction and the requisite ketone may in turn be prepared by decarboxylation of the beta-ketoester obtained from the condensation of an aryl (heteroaryl) acetic ester with the R₁COX component.

In Scheme IV illustrated below, two (2) different routes which use ketone (formula XI) for preparing a compound of Formula (I). A heterocyclic ketone (XI) is prepared by adding the anion of the alkyl heterocycle such as 4-methyl-quinoline (prepared by treatment thereof with an alkyl lithium, such as n-butyl lithium) to an N-alkyl—O—alkoxybenzamide, ester, or any other suitably activated derivative of the same oxidation state. Alternatively, the anion may be condensed with a benzaldehyde, to give an alcohol which is then oxidized to the ketone (XI).

In a further process, N-substituted compounds of Formula (I) may be prepared by treating the anion of an amide of Formula (XII):

R₁CH₂NR₂COH  (XII)

wherein R₁ and R₂ with:

a nitrile of the Formula (XIII):

R₄CN  (XIII)

wherein R₄ is as hereinbefore defined, or

(b) an excess of an acyl halide, for instance an acyl chloride, of the Formula (XIV):

R₄COHal  (XIV)

wherein R₄ is as hereinbefore defined and Hal is halogen, or a corresponding anhydride, to give a bis-acylated intermediate which is then treated with a source of ammonia, such as ammonium acetate.

One variation of this approach is illustrated in Scheme V above. A primary amine (R₂NH₂) is treated with a halomethyl heterocycle of Formula R₁CH₂X to give the secondary amine which is then converted to the amide by standard techniques. Alternatively the amide may be prepared as illustrated in scheme V by alkylation of the formamide with R₁CH₂X. Deprotonation of this amide with a strong amide base, such as lithium di-iso-propyl amide or sodium bis-(trimethylsilyl)amide, followed by addition of an excess of an aroyl chloride yields the bis-acylated compound which is then closed to an imidazole compound of Formula (I), by heating in acetic acid containing ammonium acetate. Alternatively, the anion of the amide may be reacted with a substituted aryl nitrile to produce the imidazole of Formula (I) directly.

The following description and schemes are further exemplification of the process as previously described above in Scheme I. Various pyrimidine aldehyde derivatives 6and 7 as depicted in scheme VI below, can be prepared by modification of the procedures of Bredereck et al. (Chem. Ber. 1964, 97, 3407) whose disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. These pyrimidine aldehydes are then utilized as intermediates in the synthesis as further described.

The reaction of imines with tosylmethyl isonitriles was first reported by van Leusen (van Leusen, et al., J. Org. Chem. 1977, 42, 1153.) Reported were the following conditions: tert butyl amine(tBuNH₂) in dimethoxyethane (DME), K2CO₃ in MeOH, and NaH in DME. Upon reexamination of these conditions each was found to produce low yields. A second pathway involving amine exchange to produce the t-butyl imine followed by reaction with the isocyanide to produce a 1-tBu imidazole was also operating. This will likely occur using any primary amine as a base. The secondary amines, while not preferred may be used, but may also decompose the isonitrile slowly. Reactions will likely require about 3 equivalents of amine to go to completion, resulting in approximately 50% isolated yields. Hindered secondary amines (diisopropylamine) while usable are very slow and generally not too effective. Use of tertiary and aromatic amines, such as pyridine, and triethylamine gave no reaction under certain test conditions, but more basic types such as DBU, and 4-dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP) while slow, did produce some yields and hence may be suitable for use herein.

As depicted in Schemes VII and VIII below, the pyrimidine aldehydes of Scheme VI, can be condensed with a primary amine, to generate an imine, which may suitably be isolated or reacted in situ, with the desired isonitrile in the presence of a variety of suitable bases, and solvents as described herein to afford the 5-(4-pyrimidinyl)-substituted imidazoles, wherein R₂ and R₄ are as defined herein for Formula (I) compounds.

One preferred method for preparing compounds of Formula (I) is shown below in Scheme VII. The imines may be prepared and isolated in a separate step. The yields for making the isolated imines will vary,. and environmentally less-acceptable solvents, such as CH₂Cl2 may often be used in their preparation.

This reaction, wherein p=2, requires a suitable base for the reaction to proceed. Mechanistically the reaction requires a base which is strong enough to deprotonate the isonitrile. Suitable bases include an amine, a carbonate, a hydride, or an alkyl or aryl-lithium reagent; or a mixture thereof. Bases include, but are not limited to, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, primary and secondary amines, such as morpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, and other non-nucleophilic bases.

Suitable solvents for use herein, include but are not limited to N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), MeCN, halogenated solvents, such as methylene chloride or chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, benzene, toluene, or DME. Preferably the solvent is DMF, DME, THF, or MeCN, more preferably DMF. Product isolation may generally be accomplished by adding water and filtering the product as a clean compound.

While not convenient for large scale work, addition of NaH to the isonitrile, perhaps with temperatures lower than 25° C. (in THF) are likely needed. Additionally, BuLi has also been reported to be an effective base for deprotonating tosyl benzylisonitriles at −50° C. (DiSanto et al., Synth. Commun. 1995, 25, 795).

Various temperature conditions may be utilized depending upon the preferred base. For instance, tBuNH₂/DME, K2CO₃/MeOH, K2CO₃ in DMF, at temperatures above 40° C., the yields may drop to about 20% but little difference is expected between 0C and 25° C. Consequently, temperature ranges below 0° C., and above 80° C. are contemplated as also being within the scope of this invention. Preferably, the temperature ranges are from about 0° C. to about 25° C.

As shown in Scheme VIII below, the imine is preferably formed in situ in a solvent. This preferred synthesis, is a process which occurs as a one-pot synthesis. Suitably, when the primary amine is utilized as a salt, the reaction may further include a base, such as potassium carbonate prior to the addition of the isonitrile. Reaction conditions, such as solvents, bases, temperatures, etc. are similar to those illustrated and discussed above for the isolated imine as shown in Scheme VII. One skilled in the art would readily recognize that under some circumstances, the in situ formation of the imine may require dehydrating conditions, or may require acid catalysis.

Scheme IX, describes an alternative process for making compounds of Formula (I). In this particular instance, the alkylthio moiety is oxidized to the alkylsulfinyl or sulfonyl moiety which is reacted with a suitable oxygen or nitrogen nucleophiles, for example anilines or alkyl amines, to yield the corresponding 2-alkoxy, phenylamino or alkylamino substituted pyrimidines, or reduced with sodium borohydride or Rainey Nickel, to give the unsubstituted pyrimidines.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the novel hydrolysis of 2-thiomethylpyrimidine acetal to 2-thiomethylpyrimidine aldehyde, as shown in Scheme X below. Hydrolysis of the acetal to aldehyde using various known reaction conditions, such as formic acid, did not produce a satisfactory yield of the aldehyde, <13%) was obtained. The preferred synthesis involves the use of AcOH (fresh) as solvent and concentrated H2SO₄ under heating conditions, preferably a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid. Heating conditions include temperatures from about 60 to 85° C., preferably from about 70 to about 80° C. as higher temperatures show a darkening of the reaction mixture. After the reaction is complete the mixture is cooled to about room temperature and the acetic acid is removed. A more preferred alternative procedure to this involves heating the acetal in 3N HCl at 40° C. for about 18 hours, cooling and extracting the bicarbonate neutralized solution into EtOAc.

While these schemes herein are presented, for instance, with a specific R₂ aryloxy moiety for the resultant R₂ position, or a 4-fluoro phenyl for R₄, it is noted that any suitable R₂ moiety or R₄ moiety may be added in this manner if it can be prepared on the primary amine. Similarly, any suitable R₄ can be added via the isonitrile route.

As illustrated in Scheme XI these compounds may be prepared on solid phase. The attachment to the resin through the R₁ group of formula I is a particularly useful process which allows for the variation of the R₁ group in the final step of the synthesis. Oxidation of the sulfide serves to activate the resin to cleavage which is accomplished under based conditions using either oxygen (as illustrated) or nitrogen nucleophiles, for example anilines or alkyl amines, to yield the corresponding 2-alkoxy, phenylamino or alkylamino substituted pyrimidines.

The compounds of Formula (IIa), in Scheme I, may be prepared by the methods of van Leusen et al., supra. For example, a compound of the Formula (IIa) may be prepared by dehydrating a compound of the Formula (IV)-Scheme I, wherein Ar, R₄ and p are as defined herein.

Suitable dehydrating agents include phosphorus oxychloride, oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosgene, or tosyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine, or similar bases, etc. such as pyridine. Suitable solvents are dimethoxy ether, tetrahydrofuran, or halogenated solvents, preferably THF. The reaction is most efficient when the reaction temperatures are kept between −10°. and 0° C. At lower temperatures incomplete reaction occurs and at higher temperatures, the solution turns dark and the product yield drops.

The compounds of formula (IV)-Scheme I may be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula (V)-Scheme I, R₄CHO where R₄ is as defined herein, with ArS(O)pH and formamide with or without water removal, preferably under dehydrating conditions at ambient or elevated temperature e.g. 30° to 150°, conveniently at reflux, optionally in the presence of an acid catalyst. Alternatively trimethysilylchloride can be used in place of the acid catalyst. Examples of acid catalysts include camphor-10-sulphonic acid, formic acid; p-toluenesulphonic acid, hydrogen chloride or sulphuric acid.

An optimal method of making an isonitrile of Formula (IIa) is illustrated below, in Scheme XII.

The conversion of the substituted aldehyde to the tosylbenzyl formamide may be accomplished by heating the aldehyde, 1-Scheme XII, with an acid, such as p-toluene-sulfonic acid, formic acid or camphorsulfonic acid; with formamide and p-toluene-sulfinic acid [under reaction conditions of about 60° C. for about 24 hours]. Preferably, no solvent is used. The reaction, may give poor yields (<30%) when solvents, such as DMF, DMSO, toluene, acetonitrile, or excess formamide are used. Temperatures less than 60° C. are generally poor at producing the desired product, and temperatures in excess of 60° C. may produce a product which decomposes, or obtain a benzylic bis-formamide, 2-Scheme XII.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the synthesis of the tosyl benzyl formamide compound, achieved by reacting the bisformamide intermediate, 2-Scheme XII with p-toluenesulfinic acid. In this preferred route, preparation of the bis-formamide from the aldehyde is accomplished by heating the aldehyde with formamide, in a suitable solvent with acid catalysis. Suitable solvents are toluene, acetonitrile, DMF, and DMSO or mixtures thereof. Acid catalysts, are those well known in the art, and include but are not limited to hydrogen chloride, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, and other anhydrous acids. The reaction can be conducted at temperatures ranging from about 25° C. to 110° C., preferably about 50° C., suitably for about 4 to about 5 hours, longer reaction times are also acceptable. Product decomposition and lower yields may be observed at higher temperatures (>70° C.) at prolonged reactions times. Complete conversion of the product generally requires water removal from the reaction mixture.

Preferred conditions for converting a bis-formamide derivative to the tosyl benzyl formamide are accomplished by heating the bisformamide in a suitable solvent with an acid catalyst and p-toluenesulfinic acid. Solvents for use in this reaction include but are not limited to toluene, and acetonitrile or mixtures thereof. Additional mixtures of these solvents with DMF, or DMSO may also be used but may result in lower yields. Temperatures may range from about 30° C. to about 100° C. Temperatures lower than 40° C. and higher than 60° C. are not preferred as the yield and rate decreases. Preferably, the range is from about 40 to 60° C., most preferably about 50° C. The optimal time is about 4 to 5 hours, although it may be longer. Preferably, acids used include but are not limited to, toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, and hydrogen chloride and other anhydrous acids. Most preferably the bisformamide is heated in toluene:acetonitrile in a 1:1 ratio, with p-toluenesulfinic acid and hydrogen chloride.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the preferred synthetic route for synthesis of the tosylbenzyl formamide compound which is accomplished using a one-pot procedure. This process first converts the aldehyde to the bis-formamide derivative and subsequently reacts the bis-formamide derivative with toluenesulfinic acid. This procedure combines the optimized conditions into a single, efficient process. High yields, >90% of the aryl benzylformamide may be obtained in such a manner.

Preferred reaction conditions employ a catalyst, such as trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCI), in a preferred solvent, toluene:acetonitrile, preferably in a 1:1 ratio. A reagent, such as TMSCI, is preferred which reacts with water produced therein and at the same time produces hydrogen chloride to catalyze the reaction. Also preferred is use of hydrogen chloride and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Therefore, three suitable reaction conditions for use herein include 1) use of a dehydrating agent which also provides hydrogen chloride, such as TMSCI; or by 2) use of a suitable dehydrating agent and a suitable source of acid source, such as but not limited to, camphorsulfonic acid, hydrogen chloride or toluenesulfonic acid; and 3) alternative dehydrating conditions, such as the azeotropic removal of water, and using an acid catalyst and p-toluene sulfinic acid.

Compounds of the formula (IIa) where p is 2 may also be prepared by reacting in the presence of a strong base a compound of the formula (VI)-Scheme 1, R₄CH₂NC with a compound of the formula (VII)-Scheme-I, ArSO₂L₁ wherein R₄ and Ar are as defined herein and L₁ is a leaving group such as halo, e.g. fluoro. Suitable strong bases include, but are not limited to, alkyl lithiums such as butyl lithium or lithium diisopropylamide (Van Leusen et al., Tetrahedron Letters, No. 23, 2367-68 (1972)).

The compounds of formula (VI)-Scheme I may be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula (VIII)-Scheme I, R₄CH₂NH₂ with an alkyl formate (e.g. ethylformate) to yield an intermediate amide which can be converted to the desired isonitrile by reacting with well known dehydrating agent, such as but not limited to oxalyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride or tosyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base such as triethylamine.

Alternatively a compound of the formula (VIII)-Scheme I may be converted to a compound of the formula (VI)-Scheme I by reaction with chloroform and sodium hydroxide in aqueous dichloromethane under phase transfer catalysis.

The compounds of the formula (III)-Scheme I may be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula R₁CHO with a primary amine R₂NH₂.

The amino compounds of the formula (VIII)-Scheme I are known or can be prepared from the corresponding alcohols, oximes or amides using standard functional group interconversions.

The amino compounds used to prepare the imines of formula (III)-Scheme I are known or can be prepared using standard functional group interconversions (Scheme XIV). A particularly useful and general method to prepare these amines is from the α-amino acids, which are readily available or if not can be prepared from the corresponding aldehyde using standard amino acid synthesis, such as the Strecker synthesis. The free amino acids or the corresponding amino protected compounds (CBZ, fMOC, or t-BOC) many of which are commercially available can be reduced to the carbinol under standard conditions. For example, borane on the carboxylic acid or if the ester, hydride agents may be employed in the reduction. The protected amino alcohols may be used as intermediates to further elaborate the side chain. Furthermore, protecting groups may be used to mask reactive functionality and thereby facilitate the formation of the imine and subsequent cycloaddition reaction to form the imidazole. An example of this is the use of a silyl protecting group on a alcohol.

Suitable protecting groups for use with hydroxyl groups and the imidazole nitrogen are well known in the art and described in many references, for instance, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Greene T W, Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1981. Suitable examples of hydroxyl protecting groups include silyl ethers, such as t-butyldimethyl or t-butyldiphenyl, and alkyl ethers; such as methyl connected by an alkyl chain of variable link, (C₁₀R₂₀)_(n). Suitable examples of imidazole nitrogen protecting groups include tetrahydropyranyl.

Pharmaceutically acid addition salts of compounds of Formula (I) and (II) may be obtained in known manner, for example by treatment thereof with an appropriate amount of acid in the presence of a suitable solvent.

Methods of Treatment

The compounds of Formula (I), (Ia), and (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of any disease state in a human, or other mammal, which is exacerbated or caused by excessive or unregulated cytokine production by such mammal's cell, such as but not limited to monocytes and/or macrophages.

For purposes herein, a “compounds of Formula (I)” is meant to represent a compound of Formula (I), (Ia) or (II) respectively and are used interchangeably.

Compounds of Formula (I) are capable of inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF and are therefore of use in therapy. IL-1, IL-6, IL-8-and TNF affect a wide variety of cells and tissues and these cytokines, as well as other leukocyte-derived cytokines, are important and critical inflammatory mediators of a wide variety of disease states and conditions. The inhibition of these pro-inflammatory cytokines is of benefit in controlling, reducing and alleviating many of these disease states.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating a cytokine-mediated disease which comprises administering an effective cytokine-interfering amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of Formula (I) are capable of inhibiting inducible proinflammatory proteins, such as COX-2, also referred to by many other names such as prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGHS-2) and are therefore of use in therapy. These proinflammatory lipid mediators of the cyclooxygenase (CO) pathway are produced by the inducible COX-2 enzyme. Regulation, therefore of COX-2 which is responsible for the these products derived from arachidonic acid, such as prostaglandins affect a wide variety of cells and tissues are important and critical inflammatory mediators of a wide variety of disease states and conditions. Expression of COX-1 is not effected by compounds of Formula (I). This selective inhibition of COX-2 may alleviate or spare ulcerogenic liability associated with inhibition of COX-1 thereby inhibiting prostoglandins essential for cytoprotective effects. Thus inhibition of these pro-inflammatory mediators is of benefit in controlling, reducing and alleviating many of these disease states. Most notably these inflammatory mediators, in particular prostaglandins, have been implicated in pain, such as in the sensitization of pain receptors, or edema. This aspect of pain management therefore includes treatment of neuromuscular pain, headache, cancer pain, and arthritis pain. Compounds of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are of use in the prophylaxis or therapy in a human, or other mammal, by inhibition of the synthesis of the COX-2 enzyme.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the synthesis of COX-2 which comprises administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention also provides for a method of prophylaxis treatment in a human, or other mammal, by inhibition of the synthesis of the COX-2 enzyme.

In particular, compounds of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are of use in the prophylaxis or therapy of any disease state in a human, or other mammal, which is exacerbated by or caused by excessive or unregulated IL-1, L-8 or TNF production by such mammal's cell, such as, but not limited to, monocytes and/or macrophages.

Accordingly, in another aspect, this invention relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-1 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

There are many disease states in which excessive or unregulated IL-1 production is implicated in exacerbating and/or causing the disease. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, stroke, endotoxemia and/or toxic shock syndrome, other acute or chronic inflammatory disease states such as the inflammatory reaction induced by endotoxin or inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, muscle degeneration, multiple sclerosis, cachexia, bone resorption, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, traumatic arthritis, rubella arthritis and acute synovitis. Recent evidence also links IL-1 activity to diabetes, pancreatic β cells and Alzheimer's disease.

In a further aspect, this invention relates to a method of inhibiting the production of TNF in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Excessive or unregulated TNF production has been implicated in mediating or exacerbating a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthritic conditions, sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, stroke, cerebral malaria, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoisosis, bone resorption diseases, such as osteoporosis, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, fever and myalgias due to infection, such as influenza, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS, ARC (AIDS related complex), keloid formation, scar tissue formation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and pyresis.

Compounds of Formula (I) are also useful in the treatment of viral infections, where such viruses are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo. The viruses contemplated for treatment herein are those that produce TNF as a result of infection, or those which are sensitive to inhibition, such as by decreased replication, directly or indirectly, by the TNF inhibiting-compounds of Formula (I). Such viruses include, but are not limited to HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-3, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Influenza, adenovirus and the Herpes group of viruses, such as but not limited to, Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex. Accordingly, in a further aspect, this invention relates to a method of treating a mammal afflicted with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which comprises administering to such mammal an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of Formula (I) may also be used in association with the veterinary treatment of mammals, other than in humans, in need of inhibition of TNF production. TNF mediated diseases for treatment, therapeutically or prophylactically, in animals include disease states such as those noted above, but in particular viral infections. Examples of such viruses include, but are not limited to, lentivirus infections such as, equine infectious anaemia virus, caprine arthritis virus, visna virus, or maedi virus or retrovirus infections, such as but not limited to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus, or canine immunodeficiency virus or other retroviral infections.

The compounds of Formula (I) may also be used topically in the treatment or prophylaxis of topical disease states mediated by or exacerbated by excessive cytokine production, such as by IL-1 or TNF respectively, such as inflamed joints, eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions such as sunburn; inflammatory eye conditions including conjunctivitis; pyresis, pain and other conditions associated with inflammation.

Compounds of Formula (I) have also been shown to inhibit the production of IL-8 (Interleukin-8; NAP). Accordingly, in a further aspect, this invention relates to a method of inhibiting the production of IL-8 in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

There are many disease states in which excessive or unregulated IL-8 production is implicated in exacerbating and/or causing the disease. These diseases are characterized by massive neutrophil infiltration such as, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, cardiac and renal reperfusion injury, adult respiratory distress syndrome, thrombosis and glomerulonephritis. All of these diseases are associated with increased IL-8 production which is responsible for the chemotaxis of neutrophils into the inflammatory site. In contrast to other inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF, and IL-6), IL-8 has the unique property of promoting neutrophil chemotaxis and activation. Therefore, the inhibition of IL-8 production would lead to a direct reduction in the neutrophil infiltration.

The compounds of Formula (I) are administered in an amount sufficient to inhibit cytokine, in particular IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF, production such that it is regulated down to normal levels, or in some case to subnormal levels, so as to ameliorate or prevent the disease state. Abnormal levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF, for instance in the context of the present invention, constitute: (i) levels of free (not cell bound) IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF greater than or equal to 1 picogram per ml; (ii) any cell associated IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF; or (iii) the presence of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF mRNA above basal levels in cells or tissues in which IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF, respectively, is produced.

The discovery that the compounds of Formula (I) are inhibitors of cytokines, specifically IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF is based upon the effects of the compounds of Formulas (I) on the production of the IL-1, IL-8 and TNF in in vitro assays which are described herein.

As used herein, the term “inhibiting the production of IL-1 (IL-6, IL-8 or TNF)-” refers to:

a) a decrease of excessive in vivo levels of the cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF) in a human to normal or sub-normal levels by inhibition of the in vivo release of the cytokine by all cells, including but not limited to monocytes or macrophages

b) a down regulation, at the genomic level, of excessive in vivo levels of the cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF) in a human to normal or sub-normal levels;

c) a down regulation, by inhibition of the direct synthesis of the cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF) as a postranslational event; or

d) a down regulation, at the translational level, of excessive in vivo levels of the cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 or TNF) in a human to normal or sub-normal levels.

As used herein, the term “TNF mediated disease or-disease state” refers to any and all disease states in which TNF plays a role, either by production of TNF itself, or by TNF causing another monokine to be released, such as but not limited to IL-1, IL-6 or IL-8. A disease state in which, for instance, IL-1 is a major component, and whose production or action, is exacerbated or secreted in response to TNF, would therefore be considered a disease stated mediated by TNF.

As used herein, the term “cytokine” refers to any secreted polypeptide that affects the functions of cells and is a molecule which modulates interactions between cells in the immune, inflammatory or hematopoietic response. A cytokine includes, but is not limited to, monokines and lymphokines, regardless of which cells produce them. For instance, a monokine is generally referred to as being produced and secreted by a mononuclear cell, such as a macrophage and/or monocyte. Many other cells however also produce monokines, such as natural killer cells, fibroblasts, basophils, neutrophils, endothelial cells, brain astrocytes, bone marrow stromal cells, epideral keratinocytes and B-lymphocytes. Lymphokines are generally referred to as being produced by lymphocyte cells. Examples of cytokines include, but are not limited to, Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Tumor Necrosis Factor beta (TNF-β).

As used herein, the term “cytokine interfering” or “cytokine suppressive amount” refers to an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) which will cause a decrease in the in vivo levels of the cytokine to normal or sub-normal levels, when given to a patient for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease state which is exacerbated by, or caused by, excessive or unregulated cytokine production.

As used herein, the cytokine referred to in the phrase “inhibition of a cytokine, for use in the treatment of a HIV-infected human” is a cytokine which is implicated in (a) the initiation and/or maintenance of T cell activation and/or activated T cell-mediated HIV gene expression and/or replication and/or (b) any cytokine-mediated disease associated problem such as cachexia or muscle degeneration.

As TNF-β (also known as lymphotoxin) has close structural homology with TNF-α (also known as cachectin) and since each induces similar biologic responses and binds to the same cellular receptor, both TNF-α and TNF-β are inhibited by the compounds of the present invention and thus are herein referred to collectively as “TNF” unless specifically delineated otherwise.

A new member of the MAP kinase family, alternatively termed CSBP, p38, or RK, has been identified independently by several laboratories recently.[See Lee et al., Nature, Vol. 300 n(72), 739-746 (1994)]. Activation of this novel protein kinase via dual phosphorylation has been observed in different cell systems upon stimulation by a wide spectrum of stimuli, such as physicochemical stress and treatment with lipopolysaccharide or proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor. The cytokine biosynthesis inhibitors of the present invention, i.e. compounds of Formula (I), (Ia) and (II), have been determined to be potent and selective inhibitors of CSBP/p38/RK kinase activity. These inhibitors are of aid in determining the signaling pathways involvement in inflammatory responses. In particular, for the first time a definitive signal transduction pathway can be prescribed to the action of lipopolysaccharide in cytokine production in macrophages. In addition to those diseases already noted herein, treatment of stroke, neurotrauma, cardiac and renal reperfusion injury, congestive heart failure, thrombosis, chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis, angiogenesis & related processes, such as cancer, diabetes and pancreatic β cells diseases, multiple sclerosis, muscle degeneration, eczema, psoriasis, sunburns and conjunctivitis are also included.

The cytokine inhibitors were subsequently tested in a number of animal models for anti-inflammatory activity. Model systems were chosen that were relatively insensitive to cyclooxygenase inhibitors in order to reveal the unique activities of cytokine suppressive agents. The inhibitors exhibited significant activity in many such in vivo studies. Most notable are its effectiveness in the collagen-induced arthritis model and inhibition of TNF production in the endotoxic shock model. In the latter study, the reduction in plasma level of TNF correlated with survival and protection from endotoxic shock related mortality. Also of great importance are the compounds effectiveness in inhibiting bone resorption in a rat fetal long bone organ culture system. Griswold et al., (1988) Arthritis Rheum. 31:1406-1412; Badger, et al., (1989) Circ. Shock 27, 51-61; Votta et al., (1994)in vitro. Bone 15, 533-538; Lee et al., (1993). B Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 696, 149-170.

Another aspect of the present invention is to the novel use of these CSBP/cytokine inhibitors for the treatment of chronic inflammatory or proliferative or angiogenic diseases which are caused by excessive, or inappropriate angiogenesis.

Chronic diseases which have an inappropriate angiogenic component are various ocular neovasularizations, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Other chronic diseases which have an excessive or increased proliferation of vasculature are tumor growth and metastasis, atherosclerosis, and certain arthritic conditions. Therefore CSBP kinase inhibitors will be of utility in the blocking of the angiogenic component of these disease states.

The term “excessive or increased proliferation of vasculature inappropriate angiogenesis” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, diseases which are characterized by hemangiomas and ocular diseases.

The term “inappropriate angiogenesis” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, diseases which are characterized by vesicle proliferation with accompanying tissue proliferation; such as occurs in cancer, metastasis, arthritis and atherosclerosis.

It has now been found that the branching of the R₂ moiety, such as in the R₂₂ term provides for, improved activity against the CSBP enzyme, and for improved in vivo activity versus the unbranched R₂ alkyl chain, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,992.

In order to use a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in therapy, it will normally be Formulated into a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice. This invention, therefore, also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective, non-toxic amount of a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such may conveniently be administered by any of the routes conventionally used for drug administration, for instance, orally, topically, parenterally or by inhalation. The compounds of Formula (I) may be administered in conventional dosage forms prepared by combining a compound of Formula (I) with standard pharmaceutical carriers according to conventional procedures. The compounds of Formula (I) may also be administered in conventional dosages in combination with a known, second therapeutically active compound. These procedures may involve mixing, granulating and compressing or dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to the desired preparation. It will be appreciated that the form and character of the pharmaceutically acceptable character or diluent is dictated by the amount of active ingredient with which it is to be combined, the route of administration and other well-known variables. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The pharmaceutical-carrier employed may be, for example, either a solid or liquid. Exemplary of solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and the like. Exemplary of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut, oil, olive oil, water and the like. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include time delay material well known to the art, such as glyceryl mono-stearate or glyceryl distearate alone or with a wax.

A wide variety of pharmaceutical forms can be employed. Thus, if a solid carrier is used, the preparation can be tableted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or in the form of a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but preferably will be from about 25 mg. to about 1 g. When a liquid carrier is used, the preparation will be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable liquid such as an ampule or nonaqueous liquid suspension.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be administered topically, that is by non-systemic administration. This includes the application of a compound of Formula (I) externally to the epidermis or the buccal cavity and the instillation of such a compound into the ear, eye and nose, such that the compound does not significantly enter the blood stream. In contrast, systemic administration refers to oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal and intramuscular administration.

Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi-liquid preparations suitable for penetration through the skin to the site of inflammation such as liniments, lotions, creams, ointments or pastes, and drops suitable for administration to the eye, ear or nose. The active ingredient may comprise, for topical administration, from 0.001% to 10% w/w, for instance from 1% to 2% by weight of the formulation. It may however comprise as much as 10% w/w but preferably will comprise less than 5% w/w, more preferably from 0. 1% to 1% w/w of the formulation.

Lotions according to the present invention include those suitable for application to the skin or eye. An eye lotion may comprise a sterile aqueous solution optionally containing a bactericide and may be prepared by methods similar to those for the preparation of drops. Lotions or liniments for application to the skin may also include an agent to hasten drying and to cool the skin, such as an alcohol or acetone, and/or a moisturizer such as glycerol or an oil such as castor oil or arachis oil.

Creams, ointments or pastes according to the present invention are semi-solid formulations of the active ingredient for external application. They may be made by mixing the active ingredient in finely-divided or powdered form, alone or in solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid, with the aid of suitable machinery, with a greasy or non-greasy base. The base may comprise hydrocarbons such as hard, soft or liquid paraffin, glycerol, beeswax, a metallic soap; a mucilage; an oil of natural origin such as almond; corn, arachis, castor or olive oil; wool fat or its derivatives or a fatty acid such as steric or oleic acid together with an alcohol such as propylene glycol or a macrogel. The formulation may incorporate any suitable surface active agent such as an anionic, cationic or non-ionic surfactant such as a sorbitan ester or a polyoxy-ethylene derivative thereof. Suspending agents such as natural gums, cellulose derivatives or inorganic materials such as silicaceous silicas, and other ingredients such as lanolin, may also be included.

Drops according to the present invention may comprise sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions and may be prepared by dissolving the active ingredient in a suitable aqueous solution of a bactericidal and/or fungicidal agent and/or any other suitable preservative, and preferably including a surface active agent. The resulting solution may then be clarified by filtration, transferred to a suitable container which is then sealed and sterilized by autoclaving or maintaining at 98-100° C. for half an hour. Alternatively, the solution may be sterilized by filtration and transferred to the container by an aseptic technique. Examples of bactericidal and fungicidal agents suitable for inclusion in the drops are phenylmercuric nitrate or acetate (0.002%), benzalkonium chloride (0.01%) and chlorhexidine acetate (0.01%). Suitable solvents for the preparation of an oily solution include glycerol, diluted alcohol and propylene glycol.

Compounds of formula (I) may be administered parenterally, that is by intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous intranasal, intrarectal, intravaginal or intraperitoneal administration. The subcutaneous and intramuscular forms of parenteral administration are generally preferred. Appropriate dosage forms for such administration may be prepared by conventional techniques. Compounds of Formula (I) may also be administered by inhalation, that is by intranasal and oral inhalation administration. Appropriate dosage forms for such administration, such as an aerosol formulation or a metered dose inhaler, may be prepared by conventional techniques.

For all methods of use disclosed herein for the compounds of Formula (I), the daily oral dosage regimen will preferably be from about 0.1 to about 80 mg/kg of total body weight, preferably from about 0.2 to 30 mg/kg, more preferably from about 0.5 mg to 15 mg. The daily parenteral dosage regimen about 0.1 to about 80 mg/kg of total body weight, preferably from about 0.2 to about 30 mg/kg, and more preferably from about 0.5 mg to 15mg/kg. The daily topical dosage regimen will preferably be from 0.1 mg to 150 mg, administered one to four, preferably two or three times daily. The daily inhalation dosage regimen will preferably be from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg per day. It will also be recognized by one of skill in the art that the optimal quantity and spacing of individual dosages of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof will be determined by the nature and extent of the condition being treated, the form, route and site of administration, and the particular patient being treated, and that such optimums can be determined by conventional techniques. It will also be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the optimal course of treatment, i.e., the number of doses of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof given per day for a defined number of days, can be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional course of treatment determination tests.

The novel compounds of Formula (I) may also be used in association with the veterinary treatment of mammals, other than humans, in need of inhibition of cytokine or CBSP/p38inhibition or production. In particular, CSBP/p38 or cytokine mediated diseases for treatment, therapeutically or prophylactically, in animals include disease states such as those noted herein in the Methods of Treatment section, but in particular viral infections. Examples of such viruses include, but are not limited to lentivirus infections such as, equine infectious anaemia virus, caprine arthritis virus, visna virus, or maedi virus or retrovirus infections, such as but not limited to feline immuno- deficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus, or canine immunodeficiency virus or other retroviral infections.

The invention will now be described by reference to the following biological examples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention.

Biological Examples

The cytokine-inhibiting effects of compounds of the present invention were determined by the following in vitro assays:

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) assays may be found in a number of publications, in particular suitable assays for use herein are described in Adams et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,992, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference.

In vivo TNF assay:

While the above indicated assay in an in vitro assay, the compounds of Formula (I) may also be tested in an in vivo system such as described in:

(1) Griswold et al., Drugs Under Exp. and Clinical Res., XIX (6), 243-48 (1993); or

(2) Boehm, et al;, Journal Of Medicinal Chemistry 39, 3929-3937 (1996) whose disclosures are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

LPS-induced TNFα Production in Mice and Rats

In order to evaluate in vivo inhibition of LPS induced TNFα production in rodents, both mice and rats are injected with LPS.

Mouse Method

Male Balb/c mice from Charles River Laboratories are pretreated (30 minutes) with compound or vehicle. After the 30 min. pretreat time, the mice are given LPS (lipopolysaccharide from Esherichia coli Serotype 055-85, Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, Mo.) 25 ug/mouse in 25 ul phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.0) intraperitoneally. Two hours later the mice are killed by CO₂ inhalation and blood samples are collected by exsanguination into heparinized blood collection tubes and stored on ice. The blood samples are centrifuged and the plasma collected and stored at −20° C. until assayed for TNFα by ELISA.

Rat Method

Male Lewis rats from Charles River Laboratories are pretreated at various times with compound or vehicle. After a determined pretreat time, the rats are given LPS (lipopolysaccharide from Esherichia coli Serotype 055-85, Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, Mo.) 3.0 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The rats are killed by CO₂ inhalation and heparinized whole blood is collected from each rat by cardiac puncture 90 minutes after the LPS injection. The blood samples are centrifuged and the plasma collected for analysis by ELISA for TNFα levels.

ELISA Method

TNFα levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA, as described in Olivera et al., Circ. Shock, 37, 301-306, (1992), whose disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, using a hamster monoclonal antimurine TNFα (Genzyme, Boston, Mass.) as the capture antibody and a polyclonal rabbit antimurine TNFα (Genzyme) as the second antibody. For detection, a peroxidase-conjugated goat antirabbit antibody (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.) was added, followed by a substrate for peroxidase (1 mg/ml orthophenylenediamine with 1% urea peroxide). TNFα levels in the plasma samples from each animal were calculated from a standard curve generated with recombinant murine TNFa (Genzyme).

LPS-Stimulated Cytokine Production in Human Whole Blood

Assay: Test compound concentrations were prepared at 10X concentrations and LPS prepared at 1 ug/in (final conc. of 50 ng/ml LPS) and added in 50 uL volumes to 1.5 mL eppendorf tubes. Heparinized-human whole blood was obtained from healthy volunteers and was dispensed into eppendorf tubes containing compounds and LPS in 0.4mL volumes and the tubes incubated at 37° C. Following a 4 hour incubation, the tubes were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes in a TOMY microfuge, plasma was withdrawn and frozen at −80° C.

Cytokine measurement: IL-I and/or TNF were quantified using a standardized ELISA technology. An in-house ELISA kit was used to detect human IL-1 and TNF. Concentrations of IL-1 or TNF were determined from standard curves of the appropriate cytokine and IC50 values for test compound (concentration that inhibited 50% of LPS-stimulated cytokine production) were calculated by linear regression analysis.

CSBP/p38 Kinase Assay:

This assay measures the CSBP/p38-catalyzed transfer of ³²P from [a-³²P]ATP to threonine residue in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-derived peptide (T₆₆₉) with the following sequence: KRELVEPLTPSGEAPNQALLR (residues 661-681). (See Gallagher et al., “Regulation of Stress Induced Cytokine Production by Pyridinyl Imidazoles: Inhibition of CSBP Kinase”, BioOrganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 1997, 5, 49-64).

Reactions were carried in round bottom 96 well plate (from Corning) in a 30 μl volume. Reactions contained (in final concentration): 25 mM Hepes, pH7.5; 8 mM MgCl₂; 0.17 mM ATP (the KrM_([ATP]) of p38 (see Lee et al., Nature 300, n72 pg 639-746 (Dec. 1994)); 2.5 uCi of [γ-32P]ATP; 0.2 mM sodium orthovanadate; 1 mM DTT; 0.1% BSA; 10% glycerol; 0.67 mM T₆₆₉ peptide; and 2-4 nM of yeast-expressed, activated and purified p38. Reactions were initiated by the addition of [gamma-32P]Mg/ATP, and incubated for 25 min. at 37° C. Inhibitors (dissolved in DMSO) were incubated with the reaction mixture on ice for 30 minutes prior to adding the 32P-ATP. Final DMSO concentration was 0.16%. Reactions were terminated by adding 10 ul of 0.3 M phosphoric acid, and phosphorylated peptide was isolated from the reactions by capturing it on p81 phosphocellulose filters. Filters were washed with 75 mM phosphoric acids, and incorporated 32P was quantified using beta scintillation counter. Under these conditions, the specific activity of p38 was 400-450 pmol/pmol enzyme, and the activity was linear for up to 2 hr of incubation. The kinase activity values were obtained after subtracting values generated in the absence of substrate which were 10-15% of total values.

Representing final compounds of Formula (I), Examples 1 to 26 have demonstrated positive inhibitory activity of an IC₅₀ of <50 uM in this binding assay or a similar assay.

Prostoglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGHS-2) assay:

This assay describes a method for determining the inhibitory effects of compounds of Formula (I) on human PGHS-2 protein expression in LPS stimulated human monocytes. A suitable assay for PGHS-2 protein expression may be found in a number of publications, including U.S. Pat. No 5,593,992 whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

TNF-α in Traumatic Brain Injury Assay

This assay provides for examination of the expression of tumor necrosis factor mRNA in specific brain regions which follow experimentally induced lateral fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. Since TNF-α is able to induce nerve growth factor (NGF) and stimulate the release of other cytokines from activated astrocytes, this post-traumatic alteration in gene expression of TNF-α plays an important role in both the acute and regenerative response to CNS trauma. A suitable assay may be found in WO 97/35856 whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

CNS Injury model for IL-β mRNA

This assay characterizes the regional expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA in specific brain regions following experimental lateral fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. Results from these assays indicate that following TBI, the temporal expression of IL-1β mRNA is regionally stimulated in specific brain regions. These regional changes in cytokines, such as IL-1β play a role in the post-traumatic pathologic or regenerative sequelae of brain injury. A suitable assay may be found in WO 97/35856 whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

Angiogenesis Assay:

Described in WO 97/32583, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, is an assay for determination of inflammatory angiogenesis which may be used to show that cytokine inhibition will stop the tissue destruction of excessive or inappropriate proliferation of blood vessels.

Synthetic Examples:

The invention will now be described by reference to the following examples which are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. All temperatures are given in degrees centigrade, all solvents are highest available purity and all reactions run under anhydrous conditions in an argon atmosphere unless otherwise indicated. Mass spectra were performed upon a VG Zab mass spectrometer using fast atom bombardment, unless otherwise indicated. ¹H-NMR (hereinafter “NMR”) spectra were recorded at 250 MHz using a Bruker AM 250 or Am 400 spectrometer. Multiplicities indicated are: s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, m=multiplet and br indicates a broad signal. Sat. indicates a saturated solution, eq indicates the proportion of a molar equivalent of reagent relative to the principal reactant. Flash chromatography is run over Merck Silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh).

Using synthetic methods as described in the methods section herein, the following compounds have been prepared:

Example 1 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-pheneth-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

a) 4-Fluorophenyl-tolylsulfonomethylformamide

To a suspension of p-toluenesulfinic acid sodium salt (30 grams (hereinafter “g”)) in H₂O (100 milliliters (hereinafter “mL”)) was added methyl t-butyl ether (50 mL) followed by dropwise addition of conc. HCl (15 mL). After stirring 5 min., the organic phase was removed and the aqueous phase was extracted with methyl t-butyl ether. The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to near dryness. Hexane was added and the free acid was filtered. The p-toluenesulfinic acid (22 g, 140.6 millimoles (hereinafter “mmol”)), p-fluorobenzaldehyde (22 mL, 206 mmol), formamide (20 mL, 503 mmol) and camphor sulphonic acid (4 g, 17.3 mmol) were combined and stirred at 60° C. 18 hours (hereinafter “h”). The resulting solid was broken up and stirred with a mixture of MeOH (35 mL) and hexane (82 mL) then filtered. The solid was resuspended in MeOH/hexane (1:3, 200 mL) and stirred vigorously to break up remaining chunks. Filtration afforded the title compound (27 g, 62% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): d 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, 2H), 7.43 (dd, 2H), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.08 (t, 2H), 6.34 (d, 1H), 2.45 (s, 3H).

b) 4-Fluorophenyl-tolylsulfonomethylisocyanide

The compound in the previous step (2.01 g, 6.25 mmol) in ethyleneglycol dimethylether (DME) (32 mL) was cooled to −10° C. POCl₃ (1.52 mL, 16.3 mmol) was added followed by the dropwise addition of triethylamine(4.6 mL, 32.6 mmol) in DME(3 mL) keeping the internal temperature below −5° C. The mixture was gradually warmed over 1 h., quenched in H₂O and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. The resulting residue was triturated with petroleum ether and filtered to afford the title compound (1.7 g, 90% yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): d 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.33 (ml 4H), 7.10 (t, 2H), 5.60 (s, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H)

c) 2-Propylthiopyrimidine-4-carboxaldehyde dimethyl acetal.

Charge a 1 L 3-necked flask equipped with a stir bar, thermometer, 100 mL addition funnel and reflux condensor with N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (88.7 g, 98.9 mL, 700 mmol) and pyruvaldehyde dimethyl acetal (85.3 g, 86.8 mL, 700 mmol) and heat in an oil bath at 110° C. for 3-4 h. Cool the solution to 85° C. and add thiourea (48.9 g, 636.4 mmol)and NaOMe (25 wt. % in MeOH, 151.2 g, 160 mL, 700 mmol) and stir at 85° C. for 3-4 h. Cool the solution to 65° C. and charge 1-bromopropane (86.9 g, 64.4 mL, 700 mmol) to the addition funnel and add slowly over 10-15 min to the reaction, bringing the solution to a mild reflux. After 1 h, add 100 mL of EtOAC to the reaction and bring the oil bath temperature to 95° C. Replace the reflux condensor with a distillation head and distill 150-200 mL of solvent from the reaction. Add an additional 400 mL of EtOAc and 120 mL of H₂O and stir at 50° C. for 5 min. Transfer to a separatory funnel and separate the aqueous phase. Add 60 mL of H₂O, agitate, and separate the aqueous phase. A sample was concentrated to give a yellow oil: ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) d 8.53 (1H, d, J=5.0 Hz), 7.16 (1H, d, J=5.0Hz), 5.17 (1H, s), 3.42 (3H, s), 3.14 (2H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 1.76 (2H, m), 1.05 (3H, t, J=7.3 Hz).

Alternatively, bromopropane can be replaced with any suitable alkyl halide and the alkylation process can occur at about 0 to about 100° C.

d) 2-Propylthiopyrimidine-4-carboxaldehyde

The product of the previous step (24 g, 105 mmol) was dissolved in THF (75 mL) and 3N HCl (150 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred under argon and heated to 57° C. for 4 h. The THF was stripped off and the mixture was cooled in an ice bath. EtOAc (300 mL) was added followed by the addition of solid NaHCO₃. Additional H₂O was added to dissolve all the solid, and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc.(3×150 mL). The organic phases were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give a brown oil. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 0-1%, MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 9.95 (s, 1H), 8.78 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 3.21 (t, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.1 (t, 3H).

e) 2-Propylthiopyrimidine4-carboxaldehyde[(-S)₂-amino-2-phenylethanol]imine.

To a solution of 2-propylthiopyrimidine-4-carboxaldehyde[(2.0 g, 11 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) was added (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol (1.96 g, 14.3 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature under argon for 16 h. The solution was concentrated to give the title compound; ES(+)MS m/e=302 (MH⁺)

f) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(propylthio)-pyrimidin-4-vl]imidazole

The product of the previous step (3.4 g, ˜11 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (10mL) and stirred under argon. Potassium carbonate (1.22 g, 8.8 mmol) was added followed by the addition of the product of example 1(b) (2.23 g, 7.7 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature (hereinafter “rt”) for 16 h. The DMF was pumped off and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 0-4% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=435 (MH⁺)

Example 2 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

a) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(propylsulfonyl)pyrimidin-4-yl)]imidazole

The product of example 1(f) (1.5 g, 3.45 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (25 mL) and stirred at rt under argon. OXONE (2.7 g, 4.4 mmol in H₂O (15 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at rt for 12 h. The MeOH was stripped and the residue partitioned between EtOAC and 10% NaOH. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to give the title compound as a light yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=467 (MH⁺)

b) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

The product of example 2(a) (0.15 g, 0.32 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (2 mL) and stirred under argon at rt. A 0.5 molar solution of NaOMe in methanol (1.33 mL, 0.66 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred until tlc indicated complete reaction. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 04% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=391 (MH⁺)

Example 3 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-pheneth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using (R) 2 amino-2-phenylethanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1 (e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=435 (MH⁺)

Example 4 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 2(a) and 2(b) except using the product of example 3(f) in place of the product of example 1(f) in step 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=391 (MH⁺)

Example 5

(R)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl )-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using (R)2-amino-1-propanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=373 (MH⁺)

Example 6 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using (S)-2-amino-1-propanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=373 (MHR)

Example 7 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 4(f) except using (R)2-amino-1-butanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=387 (MH⁺)

Example 8 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using (S)-2-amino-1-butanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=387 (MH⁺)

Example 9 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin)-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 2(a) and 2(b) except using the product of example 7(f) in place of the product of example 1(f) in step 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=343 (MH⁺)

Example 10 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl))-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 2(a) and 2(b) except using the product of example 8(f) in place of the product of example 1(f) in step 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/ce=343 (MH⁺)

Example 11 1-(1.3-Dihydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using (R)2-amino-1,3-propanediol in place of (S)-2amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=389 (MH⁺)

Example 12 1-(1-(1.3-Dihydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 2(a) and 2(b) except using the product of example 11(f) in place of the product of example 1(f) in step 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e 345 (MH⁺)

Example 13 (+/−)-1-(1-Dimethylamino-prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using 1-dimethylamino-2-propylamine in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS r/e=400 (MH⁺)

Example 14 (+/−)-1-(1-Dimethylamino-prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 2(a) and 2(b) except using the product of example 13(f) in place of the product of example 1(f) in step 2(a) afforded the title compound as a light yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=356 (MH⁺)

Example 15 (+/−)-1-(1-(Carbomethoxy)prop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(1-propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e) and 1(f) except using Methyl 3-aminobutyrate in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=415 (MH⁺)

Example 16 (+/−)-1-(1-Phenoxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e), 1(f), 2(a), and 2(b) except using (+/−)-1-phenoxy-2-propylamine in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS n/e=405 (MH⁺)

Example 17 (+−)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-22-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e), 1(f), 2(a), and 2(b) except using (+/−)-2-amino-1-propanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=329 (MH⁺)

Example 18 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e), 1(f), 2(a), and 2(b) except using (R)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a light yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=405 (MH⁺)

Example 19 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

Following the procedures of examples 1(e), 1(f), 2(a), and 2(b) except using (S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol in place of (S)-2 amino-2-phenylethanol in step 1(e) afforded the title compound as a light yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=405 (MH⁺)

Example 20 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

The product of example 2(a) (0.1 g, 0.23 mmol) was dissolved in a 2.0 Molar solution of methylamine in THF (2 mL) and stirred under argon at rt until tlc indicated complete reaction. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 0-5% MeOH/CH2Cl2) to give the title compound as an off-white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=390 (MH+).

Example 21 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxy-2-phenyleth-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedure of example 20 except using the product of example 4(a) in place of the product of example 2(a) afforded the title compound as an off-white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=390 (MH⁺).

Example 22 (R)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedure of example 20 except using the product of example 9(a) in place of the product of example 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=342 (MH+)

Example 23 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxybut-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedure of example 20 except using the product of example 10(a) in place of the product of example 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=342 (MH+).

Example 24 (+/−)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl )-5-[(2-[N-(methyl)amino]-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

Following the procedure of example 20 except using the product of example 17(a) in place of the product of example 2(a) afforded the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=328 (MH+).

Example 25 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[(N-phenyl )amino]pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

a) 2-Propylthiopyrimidine-4-carboxaldehyde[(S)₂-amino-1-propanol]imine

To a solution of 2-propylthiopyrimidine-4-carboxaldehyde (the product of example 1(d) (10.9 g, 60 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) was added (S)-2 amino-1-propanol (5.85 g, 78 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature under argon for 16 h. The solution was concentrated to give the title compound. ES(+)MS m/e=240 (MH⁺)

b) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(propylthio)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

The product of the previous step (14.7 g, ˜60 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (200 mL) and stirred under argon. Potassium carbonate (6.6 g, 48 mmol) was added followed by the addition of the product of example 1(b) (12.14 g, 42 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 72 h. The DMF was pumped off and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 0-4% MeOH/CH₂Cl2) to give the title compound as a yellows solid; ES(+)MS m/e=373 (MH+)

c) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-(propylsulfonyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

The product of the previous step (4g, 10.75mmol) was dissolved in methanol (100 mL) and cooled in an ice bath while stirring under argon. OXONE (8.26g, 13.44) mmol in H₂O (60 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at rt for 12 h. The MeOH was stripped and the residue partitioned between EtOAc and H2O. The mixture was made basic by the addition of solid K2CO3 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and conc. to give the title compound as a yellow solid. ES(+)MS m/e=405 (MH+)

d) (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(2-[(N-phenyl)amino]-pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole

The product of the previous step (0.2 g, 0.5 mmol) was dissolved in aniline (5 mL) and heated to 165° C. while stirring under argon for 10 hours. The excess aniline was pumped off and the crude product was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 1-3% MeOH/CH2Cl2) to give the title compound as an off-white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=390 (MH+)

Example 26 (S)-1-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(pyrimidin-4-yl)imidazole

The product of example 25(c) (0.2 g, 0.5 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of CHCl₃ (5 ml) and EtOH (5 mL) and stirred under argon at rt. Sodium borohydride (0.38 g, 1mmol) was added, and the mixture stirred until tlc showed complete reaction. The solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 0-5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) to give the title compound as a white solid. ES(+)MS m/e=299 (MH⁺)

All publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore the Examples herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound represented by the formula:

wherein R₁ is a 4-pyridyl, quinolyl, or isoquinolinyl ring, which ring is optionally substituted independently by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂OR₁₂, amino, mono and di-C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(c) or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅; R₄ is phenyl, naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl ring, which ring is optionally substituted by one or two substituents, each of which is independently selected, and which, for a 4-phenyl, 4-naphth-1-yl, 5-naphth-2-yl or 6-naphth-2-yl substituent, is halogen, cyano, nitro, C(Z)NR₇R₁₇, C(Z)OR₁₆, (C₁₀R₂₀)_(v)OR₁₂, SR₅, SOR₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, ZC(Z)R₁₂, NR₁₀C(Z)R₁₆, or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)NR₁₀R₂₀ and which, for other positions of substitution, is halogen, cyano, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, C(Z)OR₃, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)COR₃, S(O)_(m)R₃, OR₃, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, (CR₁₀OR₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₀C(Z)R₃, NR₁₀OS(O)_(m′)R₈, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)NR₇R₁₇, ZC(Z)R₃ or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₃R₁₄; Z is oxygen or sulfur; v is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; n is an integer having a value of 1 to 10; m is 0, or the integer 1 or 2; m′ is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, m″ is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 to 5; R₂ is —C(H)(A)(R₂₂); A is an optionally substituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl ring, or A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R₂₂ is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R_(c) is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₄ alkyl C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₃ is heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl or R₈; R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl or NR₇R₁₇, excluding the moieties SR₅ being SNR₇R₁₇ and SOR₅ being SOH; R₇ and R₁₇ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or R₇ and R₁₇ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅; R₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkenyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)OR₁₁, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(n)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NHS(O)₂ R₁₈, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NR₁₃R₁₄; wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl may be optionally substituted; R₉ is hydrogen, C(Z)R₁₁ or optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, S(O)₂R₁₈, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₀ and R₂₀ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R₁₂ is hydrogen or R₁₆; R₁₃ and R₁₄ is each independently selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with the nitrogen which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₉; R₁₅ is R₁₀ or C(Z)—C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₆ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl; R₁₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, aryl₁₋₁₀alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl₁₋₁₀ alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₁ is a 4-pyridyl substituted with an isopropoxy, ethoxy, methoxy, or methylthio group.
 3. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₄ is an optionally substituted phenyl.
 4. The compound according to claim 3 wherein the phenyl is substituted one or more times independently by halogen, SR₅, S(O)R₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 5. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₂₂ is a hydroxy substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl.
 6. The compound according to claim 1 wherein A is an optionally substituted phenyl, or C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl.
 7. The compound according to claim 1 wherein A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 8. The compound according to claim 7 wherein A is a C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted by OR₁₁, NR₁₃R₁₄, C(Z)OR₁₁, or OC(Z)R₁₁.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 10. A method of treating inflammation in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) according to claim
 1. 11. A compound of the formula:

wherein R₁ is a 4-pyridyl, 4-quinolyl, or 6-isoquinolinyl ring which ring is substituted by NHR_(a), and which ring may be additionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfinyl, CH₂OR₁₂, amino, mono and di- C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted amino, N(R₁₀)C(O)R_(b) or an N-heterocyclyl ring which ring has from 5 to 7 members and optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅; R₄ is phenyl, naphth-1-yl or naphth-2-yl which is optionally substituted by one or two substituents, each of which is independently selected, and which, for a 4-phenyl, 4-naphth-1-yl, 5-naphth-2-yl or 6-naphth-2-yl substituent, is halogen, cyano, nitro, C(Z)NR₇R₁₇, C(Z)OR₁₆, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(v)OR₁₂, SR₅, SOR₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkyl, ZC(Z)R₁₂, NR₁₀C(Z)R₁₆, or (C₁₀R₂₀)_(v)NR₁₀R₂₀ and which, for other positions of substitution, is halogen, cyano, C(Z)NR₁₃R₁₄, —C(Z)OR₃, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)COR₃, S(O)_(m)R₃, alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″)NR₁₀C(Z)R₃, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)R₈, NR₁₀S(O)_(m′)NR₇R₁₇, ZC(Z)R₃ or (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(m″), NR₁₃R₁₄; Z is oxygen or sulfur; n is an integer having a value of 1 to 10; m is 0, or the integer 1 or 2; m′ is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, m″ is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 to 5; v is 0, or an integer having a value of 1 or 2; R₂ is —C(H)(A)(R₂₂); A is an optionally substituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl ring, or A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R₂₂ is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R_(a) is aryl, arylC₁₋₆alkyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclylC₁₋₆ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein each of these moieties may be optionally substituted; R_(b) is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₄ alkyl, heterocyclyl, or heterocyclylC₁₋₄ alkyl, wherein each of these moieties may be optionally substituted; R₃ is heterocyclyl, heterocyclylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl or R₈; R₅ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl, C₂₋₄ alkynyl or NR₇R₁₇, excluding the moieties SR₅ being SNR₇R₁₇ and SOR₅ being —SOH; R₇ and R₁₇ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl or R₇ and R₁₇ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₁₅; R₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkenyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)OR₁₁, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)S(O)_(m)R₁₈, (CR₁₀R₂₀)_(n)NHS(O)₂ R₁₈, (CR₁₀ R₂₀)_(n)NR₁₃R₁₄; wherein the aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryl alkyl may be optionally substituted; R₉ is hydrogen, C(Z)R₁₁ or optionally substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, S(O)₂ R₁₈, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₀ and R₂₀ is each independently selected from hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylC₁₋₁₀ alkyl; R₁₂ is hydrogen or R₁₆; R₁₃ and R₁₄ is each independently selected from hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with the nitrogen which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 members which ring optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur or NR₉; R₁₅ is R₁₀ or C(Z)—C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₁₆ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl; R₁₈ is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₁₀alkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl₁₋₁₀alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The compound according to claim 11 wherein R₁ is a 4-pyridyl ring.
 13. The compound according to claim 12 wherein R_(a) is an optionally substituted aryl, or an optionally substituted arylalkyl.
 14. The compound according to claim 11 wherein R₄ is an optionally substituted phenyl.
 15. The compound according to claim 14 wherein the phenyl is substituted one or more times independently by halogen, SR₅, S(O)R₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ alkyl, or C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 16. The compound according to claim 11 wherein R₂₂ is a hydroxy substituted alkyl.
 17. The compound according to claim 11 wherein A is an optionally substituted phenyl.
 18. The compound according to claim 11 wherein A is a substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 19. The compound according to claim 11 wherein A is a C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted by OR₁₁, NR₁₃R₁₄, C(Z)OR₁₁, or OC(Z)R₁₁.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 11 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 21. A process for producing a compound of Formula (I) according to claim 1 which process comprises reacting a compound of the Formula (IIa):

with a compound of the Formula (III):

wherein p is 0or 2, and a base strong enough to deprotonate the isonitrile moiety of Formula (II); and R₁, R₂ and R₄ are as defined in Formula (I) or are precursors of the groups R₁, R₂ and R₄ and Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group, and thereafter if necessary, converting a precursor of R₁, R₂ and R₄ to a group R₁, R₂ and R₄.
 22. The process according to claim 21 wherein p=2.
 23. The process according to claim 22 wherein the imine of Formula (III), is isolated prior to reaction with Formula (IIa).
 24. The process according to claim 22, wherein the imine of Formula (III), is formed in situ prior to reaction with Formula (IIa).
 25. The process according to claim 24 wherein the imine is formed in situ by reacting an aldehyde of the formula R₁CHO, wherein R₁ is as defined for Formula (I) or (II), with a primary amine of the formula R₂NH₂. wherein R₂ is as defined for Formula (I) or (II).
 26. The process according to claim 25 wherein formation of the imine in situ utilizes dehydrating conditions.
 27. The process according to claim 26 which further comprises a solvent wherein the solvent is N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), a halogenated solvent, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), an alcohol, benzene, toluene, MeCN, or DME.
 28. The process according to claim 21 wherein the base is an amine, a carbonate, a hydride, or an alkyl or aryl lithium reagent, or a mixture thereof.
 29. The process according to claim 21 wherein R₄ is a phenyl or a phenyl substituted one or more times independently by halogen, SR₅, S(O)R₅, OR₁₂, halo-substituted-C₁₋₄ allyl, or C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 30. The process according to claim 21 wherein R₁ is a pyrid-4-yl moiety.
 31. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₁ is 2-methoxy-4-pyridyl; and R₄ is phenyl or phenyl substituted one or two times by fluoro, chloro, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(m) alkyl, methanesulfonamido or acetamido; A is CH₂OH, phenyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂NH(methyl) or CH₂N(dimethyl); and R₂₂ is CH₂OH, CH₂CH₂OH, or CH₂-O-phenyl; or the R₂ group is 1-hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-yl, 1,3-dihydroxyprop-2-yl, or 1-hydroxy-2-phenylethy-2-yl.
 32. The compound according to claim 1 wherein one or both of A and R₂₂ contain hydroxy moieties.
 33. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₂₂ is an alkyl chain substituted by OR₁₁; S(O)_(m)R₁₈; or an optionally substituted aryl.
 34. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R₂₂ is benzyl, CH₂OH, or CH₂—-O-aryl.
 35. The compound according to claim 11 wherein one or both of A and R₂₂ contain hydroxy moieties.
 36. The compound according to claim 11 wherein R₂₂ is an alkyl chain substituted by OR₁₁; S(O)_(m)R₁₈; or an optionally substituted aryl.
 37. The compound according to claim 11 wherein R₂₂ is benzyl, CH₂OH, or CH₂—O-aryl. 